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.
Ernest LawrenceRead
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.
Ernest LawrenceRead
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.
Ernest LawrenceRead
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.
Ernest LawrenceRead
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
Similar quotes
The secret of life', he said, 'is to become very very good at somethin' that's very very 'ard to do.
Roald DahlRead
Fear can make you do more wrong than hate or jealousy. If you’re afraid you don’t commit yourself to life completely; fear makes you always, always hold something back. You shouldn’t be alone. It’s killing you; it’s undermining you. All the time, every day, you should be somewhere with people.
Philip K. DickRead
After my husband died, I could not write much - I could not concentrate. I was too exhausted most of the time even to contemplate writing. But I did take notes - not for fiction, but for a journal, or diary, of this terrible time. I did not think that I would ever survive this interlude.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
I think it's like a relay race. You run, and you hand over the baton, and your kids pick it up. They take the stuff they want, throw the rest away, and keep running. That's what life is about.
Billy CrystalRead
Sorrows come to stretch out places in the heart for joy.
Edwin MarkhamRead
The point of the journey is not just healing. It's also recovering the truest, most spontaneous, joyful, and creative core of ourselves.
Gloria SteinemRead