--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If we contrast the rapid progress of this…" description: "\"If we contrast the rapid progress of this mischievous discovery [gunpowder] with the slow and laborious advances of reason, science, and the arts of pe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12f/edward-gibbon-710_art_if-we-contrast-the-rapid-progress-of-thi_1234386.jpg" --- # If we contrast the rapid progress of this mischievous… ![“If we contrast the rapid progress of this mischievous discovery [gunpowder] with the slow and laborious advances of reason, science, and the arts of peace, a philosopher, according to his temper, will laugh or weep at the folly of mankind.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12f/edward-gibbon-710_art_if-we-contrast-the-rapid-progress-of-thi_1234386.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12f/edward-gibbon-710_art_if-we-contrast-the-rapid-progress-of-thi_1234386.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12f/edward-gibbon-710_art_if-we-contrast-the-rapid-progress-of-thi_1234386.jpg) > “If we contrast the rapid progress of this mischievous discovery \[gunpowder\] with the slow and laborious advances of reason, science, and the arts of peace, a philosopher, according to his temper, will laugh or weep at the folly of mankind.” [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author contrasts swift, destructive inventions with the slow, deliberate progress of rational thought, suggesting philosophers may find humanity either amusing or tragic. **In simple terms:** Fast inventions vs slow reason; philosophers see humanity as folly. Key Takeaway Recognize the double‑edged nature of progress. Themes philosophy history technology human nature Mood reflective critical thoughtful Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - education reform - technology policy - cultural criticism - ethical debates Key Concepts innovation reason art war peace Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance innovation with wisdom? - When does progress become folly? A Different Perspective Rapid change can outpace ethical reflection, leading to misuse. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Contrast](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contrast/) [Discovery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discovery/) [Folly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/folly/) [Folly Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/folly-mankind-1461503/) [Gunpowder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gunpowder/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Laughing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laughing/) [Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mankind/) [Mischievous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mischievous/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Peace Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace-philosopher-1461502/) [Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher/) [Philosopher According](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher-according-1461506/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Rapids](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rapids/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Temper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/temper/) [Temper Laugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/temper-laugh-1461504/) [Weep Folly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/weep-folly-1461505/) ## Related quotes > [ “If we contrast the rapid progress of this mischievous discovery \[of gunpowder\] with the slow and laborious advances of reason, science, and the arts… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-gibbon/if-we-contrast-the-rapid-progress-of-this-mischievous-discovery-of/) [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) > [What if God were not exactly truth, and if this could be proved? 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