Air Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“By his machines man can dive and remain under water like a shark; can fly like a hawk in the air; can see atoms like a gnat; can see the system of the universe of Uriel, the angel of the sun; can carry whatever loads a ton of coal can lift; can knock down cities with his fist of gunpowder; can recover the history of his race by the medals which the deluge, and every creature, civil or savage or brute, has involuntarily dropped of its existence; and divine the future possibility of the planet and its inhabitants by his perception of laws of nature.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Over-Soul", 1841
Human invention extends our capabilities, allowing us to mimic nature and reshape the world, yet it also reveals our dependence on understanding and limits.
In simple terms: Technology expands human ability but has limits.
Key Takeaway
Use technology wisely, respecting its boundaries.
Themes
innovation
human potential
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- engineering
- exploration
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy
technology
environment
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities accompany technological power?
- How can we ensure technology serves humanity?
A Different Perspective
Technological hubris can cause harm.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
