Our senses enable us to perceive only a minute portion of the outside world.
Nikola TeslaRead
Even matter called inorganic, believed to be dead, responds to irritants and gives unmistakable evidence of a living principle within. Everything that exists, organic or inorganic, animated or inert, is susceptible to stimulus from the outside.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Tesla suggests that all matter, whether alive or not, reacts to external stimuli, indicating an underlying vitality in everything.
In this quote, Nikola Tesla emphasizes that even things traditionally considered lifeless, like inorganic matter, exhibit responses to stimuli, which hints at a deeper connection between all forms of existence. This notion challenges the dichotomy of life and non-life, suggesting that there is an inherent 'living principle' in everything around us, encouraging us to reconsider our understanding of life and existence.
Themes
MatterStimulusLifeExistencePrinciple
In practice
Example use cases
In a science class, when discussing the nature of matter and life.
More from Nikola Tesla
All quotes →Every living being is an engine geared to the wheelwork of the universe. Though seemingly affected only by its immediate surrounding, the sphere of external influence extends to infinite distance.
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The history of science shows that theories are perishable. With every new truth that is revealed we get a better understanding of Nature and our conceptions and views are modified.
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The Secretary of Hygiene or Physical Culture will be far more important in the cabinet of the President of the United States who holds office in the year 2035 than the Secretary of War.
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I am unwilling to accord to some small−minded and jealous individuals the satisfaction of having thwarted my efforts. These men are to me nothing more than microbes of a nasty disease. My project was retarded by laws of nature. The world was not prepared for it. It was too far ahead of time, but the same laws will prevail in the end and make it a triumphal success.
Nikola TeslaRead
Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more.
Nikola TeslaRead
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Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.
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