Advancement Quote by Colin Maclaurin
““Nature … has made it impossible for us to have any communication from this earth with the other great bodies of the universe, in our present state; and it is highly possible that he has likewise cut off all communication betwixt the other planets, and betwixt the different systems.… We observe, in all of them, enough to raise our curiosity, but not to satisfy it … It does not appear to be suitable to the wisdom that shines throughout all nature, to suppose that we should see so far, and have our curiosity so much raised … only to be disappointed at the end … This, therefore, naturally leads us to consider our present state as only the dawn or beginning of our existence, and as a state of preparation or probation for farther advancement.…””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Limits of Human Knowledge, 2020
Human curiosity is bounded by our current state, suggesting we are at the early stage of existence, awaiting greater understanding.
In simple terms: We are at the beginning of understanding the universe.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility about our knowledge.
Themes
humility
curiosity
existence
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
speculative
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- spiritual contemplation
- education reform
Key Concepts
philosophy
cosmology
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be at the “dawn” of existence?
- How can we expand our current state of knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Our limited perspective may hinder progress if we assume we know enough.
![“[writing to Stirling in 1740] ... an unlucky accident happened to some of the French mathematicians in Peru. It seems that they were shewing French gallantry to the natives' wives, who have murdered their servants destroyed their instruments and burnt their papers, the Gentlemen escaping narrowly…” quote by Colin Maclaurin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/169/colin-maclaurin-66012_accidents_writing-to-stirling-in-1740-an-unlucky-a_2476710.jpg)
