Far back in history, there is evidence that men who have…
““Far back in history, there is evidence that men who have attempted to solve the riddle of water have been bitterly attacked. Every attempt to explain the nature of water in old books has been demolished in the later editions. In any case, maintaining the sense of mystery about water ensures the prosperity of the capital intensive economy, for financial interest thrives only on a defective economy. If the riddle surrounding the origins of water were solved, it would be possible to make as much pure water available as required at any location; in this way vast areas of desert would become fertile. As a consequence, the selling values of the produce would sink so low that there would be no more incentive to speculate, or to develop agricultural machinery. The concept of unrestricted production and cheap machine power is so revolutionary, that the way of life all over the world would experience a change. Maintaining the mystery of water, therefore, maintains the value of capital, so every attempt to come nearer to an explanation is attacked.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that preserving the mystery of water sustains economic structures dependent on scarcity, and that solving its origin would disrupt capital-driven markets and societal systems.
In simple terms: Keeping water's secrets protects profit; solving it would upend economies.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how hidden knowledge can preserve power structures.
Themes
economics
science
power
environment
technology
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- resource management
- environmental activism
- economic forecasting
- technology ethics
Key Concepts
scarcity
capitalism
resource control
technological disruption
social change
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives drive secrecy in resource industries?
- How would abundant water reshape global economies?
A Different Perspective
Assumes a conspiratorial motive without evidence; may overstate economic impact.