Craftsmanship Quote by Abdus Salam
““It is good to recall that three centuries ago, around the year 1660, two of the greatest monuments of modern history were erected, one in the West and one in the East; St. Paul's Cathedral in London and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Between them, the two symbolize, perhaps better than words can describe, the comparative level of architectural technology, the comparative level of craftsmanship and the comparative level of affluence and sophistication the two cultures had attained at that epoch of history. But about the same time there was also created—and this time only in the West—a third monument, a monument still greater in its eventual import for humanity. This was Newton's Principia, published in 1687. Newton's work had no counterpart in the India of the Mughals.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Science and Culture, 1990s
The quote contrasts monumental achievements of the West and East, highlighting architecture and scientific breakthroughs, and argues that Newton’s work had a uniquely profound impact on humanity.
In simple terms: Western science outshone Eastern achievements at that time.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the lasting influence of scientific ideas.
Themes
history
science
culture
comparison
achievement
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- public lectures
- museum exhibits
- cross‑cultural studies
Key Concepts
Newtonian physics
architectural history
civilizational development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does scientific progress shape cultural identity?
- What other non‑Western breakthroughs are under‑recognized?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks contributions of non‑Western scholars to science.
![“In science its main worth is temporary, as a stepping-stone to something beyond. Even [Newton's] Principia ... is truly but the beginning of a natural philosophy. Co-author with his brother Julius Hare.” quote by Augustus William Hare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/132/augustus-william-hare-7245_brother_in-science-its-main-worth-is-temporary-a_3069238.jpg)
![“Newton supposed that the case of the planet was similar to that of [a ball spun around on the end of an elastic string]; that it was always pulled in the direction of the sun, and that this attraction or pulling of the sun produced the revolution of the planet, in the same way that the traction or…” quote by William Kingdon Clifford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/860/william-kingdon-clifford-17148_cause_newton-supposed-that-the-case-of-the-pla_381195.jpg)
