I have harnessed the cosmic rays and caused them to operate a motive device.
Interpretation
Tesla expresses his achievement in harnessing cosmic energy for practical use.
This quote reflects Nikola Tesla's innovative spirit and his groundbreaking work in energy exploration. By 'harnessing cosmic rays,' Tesla was indicating not only the potential of natural forces but also his belief in utilizing these forces for technological advancements, showcasing a vision of science that seeks to merge the mysteries of nature with human ingenuity.
In practice
During a science fair, one could use this quote to inspire students about the future of energy sources.
Even matter called inorganic, believed to be dead, responds to irritants and gives unmistakable evidence of a living principle within. Everything that exists, organic or inorganic, animated or inert, is susceptible to stimulus from the outside.
Our senses enable us to perceive only a minute portion of the outside world.
Every living being is an engine geared to the wheelwork of the universe. Though seemingly affected only by its immediate surrounding, the sphere of external influence extends to infinite distance.
The history of science shows that theories are perishable. With every new truth that is revealed we get a better understanding of Nature and our conceptions and views are modified.
The Secretary of Hygiene or Physical Culture will be far more important in the cabinet of the President of the United States who holds office in the year 2035 than the Secretary of War.
I am unwilling to accord to some small−minded and jealous individuals the satisfaction of having thwarted my efforts. These men are to me nothing more than microbes of a nasty disease. My project was retarded by laws of nature. The world was not prepared for it. It was too far ahead of time, but the same laws will prevail in the end and make it a triumphal success.
The real purpose of the scientific method is to make sure nature hasn’t misled you into thinking you know something you actually don’t know.
From a genomic perspective, we are all Africans.
Finally we shall place the Sun himself at the center of the Universe.
If everything in the universe depends upon everything else in a fundamental way, it might be impossible to get close to a full solution by investigating parts of the problem in isolation.
In the attempt to make scientific discoveries, every problem is an opportunity — and the more difficult the problem, the greater will be the importance of its solution.
Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the last analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve.
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