It is certain that the inanimate objects by which you are surrounded have a direct action on the brain.
Jules VerneRead
If you trace back all those links in the chain that had to be in place for me to be here, the laws of probability maintain that my very existence is miraculous. But then after however many decades, less than a hundred years, they disburse and I cease to be. So while they're all congregated and coordinated to make me, then-and I speak her on behalf of all those trillions of atoms-I should really make the most of things.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the miraculous nature of existence and the importance of making the most of life.
Jim Al-Khalili contemplates the astonishing series of events and probabilities that have led to his existence, emphasizing the idea that being alive is a remarkable phenomenon. He suggests that life, despite its brevity, is precious and should be fully embraced, urging us to appreciate our time while it lasts.
In practice
In a motivational speech about appreciating life, this quote could serve as a powerful reminder.
It is certain that the inanimate objects by which you are surrounded have a direct action on the brain.
The love of power, like the love of money, increases with the possession of it; and we know in what ruin these baneful passions have involved human societies in all ages when they have been let loose and suffered to rage uncontrolled - There is no restraint like the pervading eye of the virtuous citizens.
American society [...] not only sanctions gross and unfair relations among men, but it encourages them. Now, can that be denied? No. Rivalry, competition, envy, jealousy, all that is malignant in human character is nourished by the system. Possession, money, property--on such corrupt standards as these do you people measure happiness and success.
Doesn't expecting the unexpected make the unexpected expected?
The accretion of dangerous power does not come in a day. It does come, however slowly, from the generative force of unchecked disregard of the restrictions that fence in even the most disinterested assertion of authority.
For I do not seek to understand in order to believe, but I believe in order to understand. For I believe this: unless I believe, I will not understand.
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