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Businessman Quote by Jacob Bronowski

“The men who made the Industrial Revolution are usually pictured as hardfaced businessmen with no other motive than self-interest. That is certainly wrong. For one thing, many of them were inventors who had come into business that way.” quote by Jacob Bronowski
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“The men who made the Industrial Revolution are usually pictured as hardfaced businessmen with no other motive than self-interest. That is certainly wrong. For one thing, many of them were inventors who had come into business that way.”

Jacob Bronowski

About This Quote

Source Book: The Ascent of Man, 1973

Industrial Revolution innovators were driven by curiosity and invention, not just profit.

In simple terms: Inventors motivated by discovery, not greed.

Key Takeaway

Recognize diverse motives behind historical progress.

Themes

innovation motivation history

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

historical educational

When to use this quote

  • technological breakthroughs
  • entrepreneurial ventures
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

economics science humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does recognizing multiple motives change our view of progress?
  • What modern parallels exist?
A Different Perspective

Economic narratives can oversimplify complex drivers.

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