Assimilation Quote by Augustus William Hare
“Life may be defined to be the power of self-augmentation or assimilation, not of self-nurture; for then a steam-engine over a coal-pit might be made to live.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Steam Engine of the Soul”, 1845
Human progress is driven by self‑improvement and integration, not merely self‑care; like a steam engine, we must harness external forces to thrive.
In simple terms: Self‑growth needs external input.
Key Takeaway
Seek growth beyond comfort.
Themes
self‑improvement
progress
technology
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career development
- education
- innovation
Key Concepts
human nature
industrial metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What external influences help you grow?
- How balance self‑care with self‑augmentation?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on external forces can neglect inner well‑being.
![“I do not want to give my power, my self-esteem, or my autonomy, to any person, place, or thing outside myself. [...] The only thing that matters is how I feel about myself, my personal integrity, and my relationship with my Creator.” quote by Ashley Judd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebf/ashley-judd-9064_autonomy_i-do-not-want-to-give-my-power-my-self-e_798099.jpg)
![“[I]nclusion, not assimilation, should be the key concept in seeking, ever seeking, a more perfect national union. Our own history has shown that we are stronger as a mosaic than a melting pot. Our nation is bound together more by ideals than by blood or land, and inclusion is in our cultural DNA…” quote by Dan Rather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab3/dan-rather-2779_inclusion_i-nclusion-not-assimilation-should-be-th_105214.jpg)
