The opinion of the world does not affect me. I have placed as the real values in my life what follows when I am dead.
Interpretation
Tesla emphasizes focusing on lasting values rather than societal opinions or material concerns.
In this quote, Nikola Tesla reflects on the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life, which he perceives to be the values and contributions that endure beyond one's lifetime. He rejects external judgments and societal norms, asserting that his legacy should be shaped by his intrinsic beliefs and the impact he leaves behind, rather than the fleeting approval of others.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about pursuing one's true passions.
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.
There are no circumstances imaginable, not even victory, under which the proletariat should give up its possession of arms.
Has there ever been anything filthier on earth than the saints in the wilderness? Around them was not only the devil loose around them- but also the swine.
With regard to the learned professions, little need be observed; they truly form no distinct interest in society . . . [discussing the landed, merchant, and learned classes in legislative assembly]. Will not the man of the learned profession, who will feel a neutrality to the rivalships between the different branches of industry, be likely to prove an impartial arbiter between them, ready to promote either, so far as it shall appear to him conducive to the general interests of society?
whose steps were a restless substitute for flight.
Constantly regard the universe as one living being, having one substance and one soul; and observe how all things have reference to one perception, the perception of this one living being; and how all things act with one movement; and how all things are the cooperating causes of all things which exist; observe too the continuous spinning of the thread and the contexture of the web.
Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.
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