Many things they sawe with us as mathematicall…
“Many things they sawe with us as mathematicall instruments, sea compasses... spring clocks that seemed to goe of themselves - and many other things we had - were so strange unto them, and so farre exceeded their capacities to comprehend the reason and meanes how they should be made and done, that they thought they were rather the workes of gods then men.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People view complex tools as divine, unable to grasp their mechanisms.
In simple terms: Complex inventions seem magical to those unfamiliar.
Key Takeaway
Learn the basics to demystify technology.
Themes
technology
knowledge
ignorance
history
perception
Mood
inquisitive
historical
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- education
- science communication
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
scientific literacy
cognitive limits
historical perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- What can be done to make complex ideas accessible?
- How does curiosity change perception?
A Different Perspective
Some may view tools as natural, not divine.