Has there ever been a society which has died of dissent? Several have died of conformity in our lifetime.
Jacob BronowskiRead
Every animal leaves traces of what it was; man alone leaves traces of what he created.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that while all living beings show evidence of their existence, humans uniquely leave behind evidence of their creations and innovations.
Bronowski's quote emphasizes the distinction between humans and other animals, highlighting that while every creature has an impact on the environment, only humans create artifacts and ideas that reflect their intellect and creativity. This ability to create and shape our surroundings not only marks our individual existence but also our contribution to the collective human legacy, implying a responsibility toward the world we shape.
Themes
CreationHumanityLegacyInnovationExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about environmental sustainability, one could use this quote to emphasize the impact of human innovation on nature.
More from Jacob Bronowski
All quotes βThere is no absolute knowledge. And those who claim it, whether they are scientists or dogmatists, open the door to tragedy.
Jacob BronowskiRead
To me the most interesting thing about man is that he is an animal who practices art and science and in every known society practices both together.
Jacob BronowskiRead
A man becomes creative, whether he is an artist or scientist, when he finds a new unity in the variety of nature. He does so by finding a likeness between things which were not thought alike before.
Jacob BronowskiRead
The values by which we are to survive are not rules for just and unjust conduct, but are those deeper illuminations in whose light justice and injustice, good and evil, means and ends are seen in fearful sharpness of outline.
Jacob BronowskiRead
The basis for poetry and scientific discovery is the ability to comprehend the unlike in the like and the like in the unlike.
Jacob BronowskiRead
Similar quotes
At that point, Noriko finally breaks down and begins to cry sobbing into her hands as the floodgates open - this young woman who has suffered in silence for so long, this good woman who refuse to believe she's good, for only the good doubt their own goodness, which is what makes them good in the first place. The bad know they are good, but the good know nothing. They spend their lives forgiving others, but they can't forgive themselves.
Paul AusterRead
If there is one realm in which it is essential to be sublime, it is in wickedness. You spit on a petty thief, but you can't deny a kind of respect for the great criminal.
Denis DiderotRead
And what? What's the other choice? To passively let things happen and then say: "Tut-tut, what at botch that was"? Don't we all manipulate people? Even if we openly ask them to make a choice, don't we try to frame it so they'll chose as we think they should?
Orson Scott CardRead
When the mask of self-righteousness has been torn from us and we stand stripped of all our accustomed defenses, we are candidates for God's generous grace.
Erwin W. LutzerRead
Things looked at patiently from one side after another generally end by showing a side that is beautiful.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
A world in which there are monsters, and ghosts, and things that want to steal your heart is a world in which there are angels, and dreams and a world in which there is hope.
Neil GaimanRead