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[At the end of the story, its main character, Tom] is now…

“[At the end of the story, its main character, Tom] is now a great man of science, and can plan railroads, and steam-engines, and electric telegraphs, and rifled guns, and so forth; and knows everything about everything, except why a hen's egg don't turn into a crocodile, and two or three other…” quote by Charles Kingsley
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“[At the end of the story, its main character, Tom] is now a great man of science, and can plan railroads, and steam-engines, and electric telegraphs, and rifled guns, and so forth; and knows everything about everything, except why a hen's egg don't turn into a crocodile, and two or three other little things that no one will know till the coming of the Cocqcigrues.”

Charles Kingsley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The protagonist becomes a master of many sciences yet still faces mysteries beyond human knowledge.

In simple terms: Great knowledge coexists with unknowns.

Key Takeaway

Embrace curiosity despite expertise.

Themes

knowledge humility science mystery

Mood

wonderful reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • engineering projects
  • scientific research
  • education
  • philosophical inquiry

Key Concepts

epistemology limits of knowledge progress

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mysteries drive your learning?
  • How do you balance expertise with humility?
A Different Perspective

Human understanding is always incomplete; mysteries remain.

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