It is not the bigness of anything in this kind that can…
“It is not the bigness of anything in this kind that can hinder its motion, if the motive faculty be answerable thereunto. We see a great ship swims as well as a small cork, and an eagle flies in the air as well as a little gnat. 'Tis likely enough that there may be means invented of journeying to the Moon; and how happy they shall be that are first successful in this attempt.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The size of an object does not limit its ability to move; even small things can travel far if the right force is applied.
In simple terms: Small things can move far if driven.
Key Takeaway
Focus on the driving force, not size.
Themes
physics
motion
scale
potential
Mood
curious
inquisitive
Type
scientific
analytical
When to use this quote
- engineering
- space travel
- innovation
- problem solving
Key Concepts
mechanics
force
inertia
gravity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we harness small forces for big challenges?
- What limits do we overlook when scaling up?
A Different Perspective
Large objects may still face practical constraints despite theoretical possibilities.