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To modify the conditions of the Earth's movement is beyond the powers of man. It is not given to mankind to change the order established by the Creator in the system of the Universe.
Jules Verne
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that humans cannot alter fundamental natural laws or the universe's design.

Jules Verne communicates a profound respect for the order of the universe, suggesting that human beings are powerless to change the inherent conditions that govern celestial movements. This perspective reflects the broader philosophical notion that there are limits to human intervention and understanding regarding the natural world, emphasizing humility in the face of the vastness of nature's laws.

Themes

EarthUniverseCreatorNatural LawsHumility

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about the impact of climate change, one could use this quote to discuss the importance of respecting natural systems.

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Travel enables us to enrich our lives with new experiences, to enjoy and to be educated, to learn respect for foreign cultures, to establish friendships, and above all to contribute to international cooperation and peace throughout the world.
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Nothing can astound an American. It has often been asserted that the word 'impossible' is not a French one. People have evidently been deceived by the dictionary. In America, all is easy, all is simple; and as for mechanical difficulties, they are overcome before they arise.
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However strong, however imposing a ship may appear, it is not 'disgraced' because it flies before the tempest. A commander ought always to remember that a man's life is worth more than the mere satisfaction of his own pride. In any case, to be obstinate is blameable, and to be wilful is dangerous.
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The Yankees, the first mechanicians in the world, are engineers - just as the Italians are musicians and the Germans metaphysicians - by right of birth. Nothing is more natural, therefore, than to perceive them applying their audacious ingenuity to the science of gunnery.
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Nothing is more dreadful than private duels in America. The two adversaries attack each other like wild beasts. Then it is that they might well covet those wonderful properties of the Indians of the prairies - their quick intelligence, their ingenious cunning, their scent of the enemy.
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