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Comparison Quote by Rene Descartes

“It must not be thought that it is ever possible to reach the interior earth by any perseverance in mining: both because the exterior earth is too thick, in comparison with human strength; and especially because of the intermediate waters, which would gush forth with greater impetus, the deeper the…” quote by Rene Descartes
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“It must not be thought that it is ever possible to reach the interior earth by any perseverance in mining: both because the exterior earth is too thick, in comparison with human strength; and especially because of the intermediate waters, which would gush forth with greater impetus, the deeper the place in which their veins were first opened; and which would drown all miners.”

Rene Descartes

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Discourse on the Method, 1637

It argues that digging to Earth’s interior is impossible due to physical limits like thickness and water pressure, which would overwhelm human effort.

In simple terms: Mining to Earth’s core is impossible because of thickness and water.

Key Takeaway

Recognize natural limits of human engineering.

Themes

science limitations exploration

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

scientific philosophical

When to use this quote

  • mining projects
  • deep drilling
  • engineering feasibility studies
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

geology physics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What technologies could overcome such barriers?
  • How do we balance ambition with safety?
A Different Perspective

May ignore future technological breakthroughs.

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