Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel ButlerRead
All progress is based upon a universal innate desire on the part of every organism to live beyond its income.
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
All quotes βTo 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.
Samuel ButlerRead
Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
Samuel ButlerRead
An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
Samuel ButlerRead
Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
Samuel ButlerRead
People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
Samuel ButlerRead
Similar quotes
If desire causes suffering, it may be because we do not desire wisely, or that we are inexpert at obtaining what we desire. Instead of hiding our heads in a prayer cloth and building walls against temptation, why not get better at fulfilling desire? Salvation is for the feeble, that's what I think. I don't want salvation, I want life, all of life, the miserable as well as the superb.
Tom RobbinsRead
It is not necessary that you leave the house. Remain at your table and listen. Do not even listen, only wait. Do not even wait, be wholly still and alone. The world will present itself to you for its unmasking, it can do no other, in ecstasy it will writhe at your feet.
Franz KafkaRead
Example, whether it be good or bad, has a powerful influence.
George WashingtonRead
I'm not out to preach. I just live my own life. I'm very happy if I can help somebody - that's wonderful. But it's up to them what they want to think about it or what they want to take away; it's their business, not mine.
Iris ApfelRead
Truth was the only daughter of Time.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.
Malcolm MuggeridgeRead