When I first collected these authorities, I was desirous…
“When I first collected these authorities, I was desirous that every quotation should be useful to some other end than the illustration of a word; I therefore extracted from philosophers principles of science; from historians remarkable facts; from chymists complete processes; from divines striking exhortations; and from poets beautiful descriptions.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Collecting knowledge from diverse fields creates a rich resource for practical use beyond mere illustration.
In simple terms: Gather varied wisdom for usefulness.
Key Takeaway
Seek interdisciplinary insights for real‑world problems.
Themes
knowledge
interdisciplinary
utility
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education curriculum
- research projects
- creative writing
Key Concepts
philosophy
history
science
poetry
practicality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize useful knowledge?
- What fields can you combine for better solutions?
A Different Perspective
Over‑collection can dilute focus.