Only fools, liars, and charlatans predict earthquakes
Interpretation
Predicting earthquakes is often considered an unwise pursuit, reserved for those who lack integrity.
Charles Francis Richter's quote highlights the futility and dishonesty involved in attempting to predict earthquakes. It implies that only those who are unwise, deceitful, or pretentious would make such predictions, as the inherently unpredictable nature of earthquakes should be acknowledged with humility and respect.
In practice
In a discussion about the challenges of predicting natural disasters, this quote serves to remind us of the limits of our knowledge.
Magnitude may be compared to the power output in kilowatts of a [radio] broadcasting station; local intensity, on the Mercalli or similar scale, is then comparable to the signal strength noted on a receiver at a given locality. Intensity, like signal strength, will generally fall off with distance from the source; it will also depend on local conditions at the point of observation, and to some extent on the conditions along the path from source to that point.
Refining is inevitable in science when you have made measurements of a phenomenon for a long period of time.
I have a sense of humor; but over the years that sense has developed one blind spot. I can no longer laugh at ignorance or stupidity. Those are our chief enemies, and it is dangerous to make fun of them.
The mind is responsible for the feelings of pleasure and pain. Control of the mind is the highest Yoga.
Pay heed to the tales of old wives. It may well be that they alone keep in memory what it was once needful for the wise to know.
Jealousy is comparison. And we have been taught to compare, we have been conditioned to compare, always compare. Somebody else has a better house, somebody else has a more beautiful body, somebody else has more money, somebody else has a more charismatic personality. Compare, go on comparing yourself with everybody else you pass by, and great jealousy will be the outcome; it is the by-product of the conditioning for comparison.
As you grow up, always tell the truth, do no harm to others, and don't think you are the most important being on earth. Rich or poor, you then can look anyone in the eye and say, 'I'm probably no better than you, but I'm certainly your equal.
Sweet Mercy! to the gates of heaven This minstrel lead, his sins forgiven; The rueful conflict, the heart riven With vain endeavour, And memory of Earth's bitter leaven Effaced forever.
Your life, all of your life, is your path to awakening. By resisting or not dealing with its challenges, you stay asleep to Reality. Pay attention to what life is trying to reveal to you. Say yes to its fierce, ruthless, and loving grace.
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