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Am sorry Quote by Erasmus Darwin

“I am sorry the infernal Divinities, who visit mankind with diseases, and are therefore at perpetual war with Doctors, should have prevented my seeing all you great Men at Soho to-day-Lord! what inventions, what wit, what rhetoric, metaphysical, mechanical and pyrotecnical, will be on the wing…” quote by Erasmus Darwin
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“I am sorry the infernal Divinities, who visit mankind with diseases, and are therefore at perpetual war with Doctors, should have prevented my seeing all you great Men at Soho to-day-Lord! what inventions, what wit, what rhetoric, metaphysical, mechanical and pyrotecnical, will be on the wing, bandy'd like a shuttlecock from one to another of your troop of philosophers! while poor I, I by myself I, imprizon'd in a post chaise, am joggled, and jostled, and bump'd, and bruised along the King's high road, to make war upon a pox or a fever!”

Erasmus Darwin

About This Quote

Source Letter: The Botanic Garden, 1791

The author laments that disease and war prevent him from joining great minds, yet he celebrates human ingenuity and the chaotic fight against illness.

In simple terms: He feels blocked by illness but admires human creativity.

Key Takeaway

Embrace curiosity despite setbacks.

Themes

science philosophy human struggle creativity

Mood

frustrated hopeful

Type

reflective inspirational

When to use this quote

  • medical research
  • philosophical debates
  • travel hardships
  • public health crises

Key Concepts

epidemiology mechanics rhetoric

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance the pursuit of knowledge with compassion?
  • What role does humor play in confronting disease?
A Different Perspective

The quote romanticizes conflict, ignoring the suffering it causes.

3.9 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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