Capable Quote by Reginald Fessenden
![“And invention must still go on for it is necessary that we should completely control our circumstances. It is not sufficient that there should [only] be organization capable of providing food and shelter for all and organization to effect its proper distribution.” quote by Reginald Fessenden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f21/reginald-fessenden-41467_capable_and-invention-must-still-go-on-for-it-is_2565405.jpg)
“And invention must still go on for it is necessary that we should completely control our circumstances. It is not sufficient that there should [only] be organization capable of providing food and shelter for all and organization to effect its proper distribution.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Technological Philosophy, 1912
Progress requires active control over conditions, not just basic provision; innovation must shape society’s structure.
In simple terms: Control circumstances, not just meet basic needs.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate proactive problem‑solving.
Themes
innovation
control
societal development
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- resource management
- technology policy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
agency
systems thinking
distribution
Questions to Reflect On
- What can we realistically control?
- How does innovation affect equity?
A Different Perspective
May overlook limits of human control over complex systems.
![“We're not in control [of circumstances], but that does not mean we don't exercise a certain kind of conditioned agency. That's what it means to live in a community. That's what it means to live in society.” quote by Judith Butler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/06e/judith-butler-1374_agency_we-re-not-in-control-of-circumstances-bu_1564932.jpg)
![“[In relation to business:] Invention must be its keynote-a steady progression from one thing to another. As each in turn approaches a saturated market, something new must be produced.” quote by Reginald Fessenden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/99b/reginald-fessenden-41467_approach_in-relation-to-business-invention-must-b_64650.jpg)
![“The inventor and the research man are confused because they both examine results of physical or chemical operations. But they are exact opposites, mirror images of one another. The research man does something and does not care [exactly] what it is that happens, he measures whatever it is. The…” quote by Reginald Fessenden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8df/reginald-fessenden-41467_care_the-inventor-and-the-research-man-are-co_2587374.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)
