Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
I have been speculating last night what makes a man a discoverer of undiscovered things. As far as I can conjecture the art consists in habitually searching for the causes and meaning of everything which occurs.
Interpretation
The essence of discovery lies in a persistent quest for understanding the causes and meanings behind events.
In this quote, Charles Darwin reflects on the nature of discovery, suggesting that it is not merely a matter of chance but rather a dedication to seeking out the underlying causes and meanings of occurrences. This mindset of inquiry and curiosity is what distinguishes a discoverer, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and critical thinking in the pursuit of knowledge.
In practice
During a lecture on scientific exploration, this quote can be used to inspire students about the importance of curiosity.
Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
Egolessness is contentment. Egoless, you don't expect anything, and just a small child smiles at you, but it is so beautiful. What else could you need? Suddenly you see a flower and the flower sends its perfume to you. What else could you need? What more could you want? The whole sky goes on filling with stars, the whole life becomes a celebration because now everything is beautiful. Without expectation everything fulfills - just to breathe is enough, just to breathe is such a bliss.
Emotional self-awareness is the building block of the next fundamental emotional intelligence: being able to shake off a bad mood.
The quality of wit inspires more admiration than confidence
Lies always come first, dragging fools along by their irreparable vulgarity. Truth always lags last, limping along on the arm of time.
I was trying to explain my situation to myself. My situation was that I was in pain and nobody knew it, even I had trouble knowing it. So I told myself, over and over, You are in pain. It was the only way I could get through to myself. I was demonstrating externally and irrefutably an inward condition.
Good breeding, a union of kindness and independence.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.