Most persons are so absorbed in the contemplation of the outside world that they are wholly oblivious to what is passing on within themselves. The premature death of millions is primarily traceable to this cause. Even among those who exercise care, it is a common mistake to avoid imaginary, and ignore the real dangers. And what is true of an individual also applies, more or less, to a people as a whole.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection over external distractions.
Nikola Tesla highlights that many individuals are so focused on the external world that they neglect their inner thoughts and feelings, leading to a lack of self-awareness. He suggests that this neglect can result in widespread consequences, including a metaphorical death of the spirit, as people often prioritize imagined threats over genuine risks, both personally and collectively. This perspective reminds us that understanding ourselves is crucial to navigating life effectively.
In practice
During a workshop about personal development, one could share this quote to encourage self-reflection.
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.
I had come to Yugoslavia to see what history meant in flesh and blood.
It does not matter what country we live in, who our leaders are, or even who we are. Because we are human, we therefore have rights. And because we have rights, governments are bound to protect them.
When a man wantonly destroys one of the works of man we call him a vandal. When he destroys one of the works of god we call him a sportsman.
The difficulties which I meet with in order to realize my existence are precisely what awaken and mobilize my activities, my capacities.
Prejudice: Sometimes it's like a hair across your cheek. You can't see it, you can't find it with your fingers, but you keep brushing at it because the feel of it is irritating.
In all of us, even in good men, there is a lawless wild-beast nature, which peers out in sleep.
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