Accomplish Quote by John Herschel
“First, In showing in how to avoid attempting impossibilities. Second, In securing us from important mistakes in attempting what is, in itself possible, by means either inadequate or actually opposed to the end in view. Thirdly, In enabling us to accomplish our ends in the easiest, shortest, most economical, and most effectual manner. Fourth, In inducing us to attempt, and enabling us to accomplish, object which, but for such knowledge, we should never have thought of understanding. On the ways that a knowledge of the order of nature can be of use.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Elements of Experimental Philosophy, John Herschel, 1833
The passage outlines four benefits of understanding natural laws: avoiding impossible tasks, preventing errors, achieving goals efficiently, and enabling new insights.
In simple terms: Knowing nature helps avoid futile attempts, reduce mistakes, work efficiently, and discover new possibilities.
Key Takeaway
Apply scientific reasoning to improve problem solving.
Themes
science
efficiency
innovation
risk management
knowledge
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
practical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- engineering design
- business strategy
- research planning
- personal decision making
- policy development
Key Concepts
natural law
problem solving
optimization
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance efficiency with thoroughness?
- What risks arise from over‑reliance on theoretical knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Complex problems may still require trial and error despite knowledge.
![“[When nature appears complicated:] The moment we contemplate it as it is, and attain a position from which we can take a commanding view, though but of a small part of its plan, we never fail to recognize that sublime simplicity on which the mind rests satisfied that it has attained the truth.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0b/john-herschel-18983_complicated_when-nature-appears-complicated-the-mome_203650.jpg)
![“Accustomed to trace the operation of general causes, and the exemplification of general laws, in circumstances where the uninformed and unenquiring eye perceives neither novelty nor beauty, [the scientist and natural philosopher] walks in the midst of wonders.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91d/john-herschel-18983_accustomed_accustomed-to-trace-the-operation-of-gen_1136585.jpg)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
