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All progress is based upon a universal innate desire on the part of every organism to live beyond its income.
Samuel Butler
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Progress is driven by a fundamental human desire to achieve more than what one currently has.

This quote by Samuel Butler suggests that the essence of progress lies in the innate human motivation to strive for greater achievements and improvements in life, often pushing individuals to go beyond their current financial means or limitations. It reflects the universal longing for growth, advancement, and the pursuit of a better existence, which can be seen across all forms of life.

Themes

ProgressDesireGrowthLifeAchievement

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during a motivational speech to inspire people to pursue their goals.

More from Samuel Butler

Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
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To know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should ever know him at all. I know not which is more childish to deny him, or define him.
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Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
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An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
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Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
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People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
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