Canals Quote by Percival Lowell
“Irrigation, unscientifically conducted, would not give us such truly wonderful mathematical fitness [as we observe in the Martian canals]. . . . A mind of no mean order would seem to have presided over the system we see-a mind certainly of considerably more comprehensiveness than that which presides over the various department of our own public works.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Martian Canals, 1895
Irrigation done without scientific method would not produce the remarkable patterns seen on Mars, suggesting a highly organized mind behind them, unlike our own public works.
In simple terms: Scientific irrigation yields better results; Martian canals hint at superior planning.
Apply rigorous methods to improve outcomes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- agricultural management
- space exploration
- public works critique
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we emulate Martian organization?
- What limits our engineering precision?
Human systems often lack the coherence seen in natural patterns.