No individual is alone responsible for a single stepping stone along the path of progress, and where the path is smooth progress is most rapid.
Ernest LawrenceRead
We have reached the age, those of us to whom fortune has assigned a post in life's struggle, when beaten and smashed and biffed by the lashing of the dragon's tail, we begin to appreciate that the old man was not such a fool after all. We saw our parents wrestling with the same dragon, and we thought, though we never spoke a thought aloud, 'Why doesn't he hit him on the head?' Alas, comrads, we know now. We have hit the dragon on the head and we have seen the dragon smile.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the struggles of life and the wisdom gained through experience.
In this quote, the speaker reflects on the trials and challenges faced throughout life, recognizing that many of the struggles experienced by previous generations, particularly parents, were significant and difficult. The reference to the 'dragon' symbolizes the formidable challenges that seem overwhelming at first, and as individuals grow and face these challenges themselves, they realize the wisdom in their parents' experiences and responses. The quote conveys a sense of maturation and understanding that the lessons learned through hardship are valuable.
Themes
LifeStruggleWisdomExperienceGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming life’s challenges.
More from Ernest Lawrence
All quotes →Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright; The band is playing somewhere; and somewhere hearts are light; And somewhere men are laughing; and little children shout; But there is no joy in Mudville- great Casey has struck out.
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Certainly, it may bring to light such a deeper knowledge of the structure of matter as to constitute a veritable discontinuity in the progress of science.
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From the beginning of the Radiation Laboratory, I have had the rare good fortune of being in the center of a group of men of high ability, enthusiastic and completely devoted to scientific pursuits.
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In the Radiation Laboratory we count it a privilege to do everything we can to assist our medical colleagues in the application of these new tools to the problems of human suffering.
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I am mindful that scientific achievement is rooted in the past, is cultivated to full stature by many contemporaries and flourishes only in favorable environment. No individual is alone responsible for a single stepping stone along the path of progress, and where the path is smooth progress is most rapid. In my own work this has been particularly true.
Ernest LawrenceRead
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