Minds vary in sensitiveness and in self-power, as bodies…
“Minds vary in sensitiveness and in self-power, as bodies do in susceptibility of attraction and repulsion. When, when shall we learn that they are governed by laws as inexorable as physical laws, and that a man can as easily refuse to obey what has power over him as a steel atom can resist the magnet?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human behavior follows immutable laws like physical forces; resistance is possible but limited.
In simple terms: People are bound by natural laws.
Understand and work within these laws.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal development
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What laws govern your actions?
- Can you truly resist them?
May reduce agency to determinism.