Airship Quote by E.M. Forster
““Night and day, wind and storm, tide and earthquake, impeded man no longer. He had harnessed Leviathan. All the old literature, with its praise of Nature, and its fear of Nature, rang false as the prattle of a child.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Machine Stops” (or similar), E.M. Forster, early 20th century
Humanity has mastered nature’s forces, rendering ancient reverence and fear obsolete, yet this mastery may be illusory.
In simple terms: We’ve tamed nature, but old myths still echo.
Key Takeaway
Beware hubris in technology.
Themes
technology
nature
human hubris
mythology
Mood
cautious
contemplative
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- industrial revolution
- modern science
- climate crisis
Key Concepts
technological domination
environmental stewardship
cultural memory
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “Leviathan” symbolize?
- Can we truly master nature?
A Different Perspective
Nature’s unpredictability can outpace control.
