It is a mere question of time when men will succeed in attaching their machinery to the very wheelwork of nature.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that technological advancement is inevitable and will eventually align with the natural processes of the world.
Nikola Tesla's quote reflects his belief in the inevitable integration of technology with nature. He envisions a future where human-made machinery will harmonize with the natural world, enhancing our ability to tap into its resources and rhythms. This statement emphasizes the importance of innovation and the idea that as we progress, we will find ways to coexist with nature rather than exploit it.
In practice
During a technology conference to inspire the crowd about innovation.
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.
Our senses enable us to perceive only a minute portion of the outside world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The unity of all science consists alone in its method, not in its material.
Half of what we know is wrong, the purpose of science is to determine which half.
You look at science fiction and look how often it talks about being alien, being alienated about the other. Look at the number of blue people - 'Avatar,' I'm looking at you. And it is now easier to find people of color in science-fiction literature and media, but the issues of representation are still really, really troubling.
Whenever we find, in two forms of life that are unrelated to each other, a similarity of form or of behaviour patterns which relates to more than a few minor details, we assume it to be caused by parallel adaptation to the same life-preserving function.
Coal is responsible for as much atmospheric carbon dioxide as other fossil fuels combined and it still has far greater reserves. We must stop using it.
I have come to the conclusion that Darwinism is not a testable scientific theory, but a metaphysical research programme.
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