The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
It is the triumph of civilization that at last communities have obtained such a mastery over natural laws that they drive and control them. The winds, the water, electricity, all aliens that in their wild form were dangerous, are now controlled by human will, and are made useful servants.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans have learned to control and utilize natural forces for their benefit.
This quote reflects the progress of civilization in mastering the elements of nature, transforming what was once seen as uncontrollable and dangerous into resources that serve human needs. It highlights the triumph of human ingenuity in harnessing natural laws, allowing communities to thrive through innovation and technological advancement.
Themes
CivilizationNatural LawsControlTechnologyInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire a discussion at a technology conference about the impact of innovation on society.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes →A man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
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No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
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We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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