Human knowledge and human power meet in one; for where the…
“Human knowledge and human power meet in one; for where the cause is not known the effect cannot be produced. Nature to be commanded must be obeyed; and that which in contemplation is as the cause is in operation as the rule.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Understanding requires knowing causes; without cause knowledge, effects cannot be controlled.
In simple terms: Know causes to control effects.
Key Takeaway
Identify underlying causes first.
Themes
science
causality
control
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research planning
- policy making
- engineering design
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden causes might you be overlooking?
- How can you test for unseen influences?
A Different Perspective
Complex systems may have hidden variables that defy simple cause‑effect mapping.