When I consider the multitude of associated forces which are diffused through nature - when I think of that calm balancing of their energies which enables those most powerful in themselves, most destructive to the world's creatures and economy, to dwell associated together and be made subservient to the wants of creation, I rise from the contemplation more than ever impressed with the wisdom, the beneficence, and grandeur, beyond our language to express, of the Great Disposer of us all.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the interconnectedness of natural forces and their grand design, evoking a sense of awe for the creator.
In this quote, Michael Faraday contemplates the complex interplay of forces in nature and how even the most powerful and destructive elements serve a greater purpose within the ecosystem. This reflection leads him to recognize a profound wisdom and benevolence in the overall order of the universe, suggesting that there is a transcendent intelligence behind the workings of creation that is beyond human comprehension.
In practice
In a speech about environmental protection, one could use this quote to emphasize the grandeur of nature and our role in preserving it.
I think chemistry is being frittered away by the hairsplitting of the organic chemists; we have new compounds discovered, which scarcely differ from the known ones and when discovered are valueless-very illustrations perhaps of their refinements in analysis, but very little aiding the progress of true science.
I am no poet, but if you think for yourselves, as I proceed, the facts will form a poem in your minds.
It is on record that when a young aspirant asked Faraday the secret of his success as a scientific investigator, he replied, 'The secret is comprised in three words- Work, Finish, Publish.'
Water is to me, I confess, a phenomenon which continually awakens new feelings of wonder as often as I view it.
It is right that we should stand by and act on our principles; but not right to hold them in obstinate blindness, or retain them when proved to be erroneous.
Chemistry is necessarily an experimental science: its conclusions are drawn from data, and its principles supported by evidence from facts.
The laws of history are as absolute as the laws of physics, and if the probabilities of error are greater, it is only because history does not deal with as many humans as physics does atoms, so that individual variations count for more.
You go away for a long time and return a different person - you never come all the way back.
A 'fair' fight between non-equals is not fair, and being blind to power is an implicit endorsement of the powerful.
The life of money-making is one undertaken under compulsion, and wealth is evidently not the good we are seeking; for it is merely useful and for the sake of something else.
I don't care what color you are, what size you are, where you're from. It is disturbing that there's an idea that only tall, thin, willowy, size 0 women are attractive - even for the tall, thin, willowy, size 0 woman! We all should get to feel like there's something powerful and beautiful about who we are.
To serve Armenia is to serve civilization.
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