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.
So we find that the three possible solutions of the great problem of increasing human energy are answered by the three words: food, peace, work... Their scientific meaning and purpose now clear to me: food to increase the mass, peace to diminish the retarding force, and work to increase the force accelerating human movement.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nikola Tesla emphasizes the importance of food, peace, and work in enhancing human potential.
In this quote, Nikola Tesla presents a profound insight into the essentials needed for the advancement of humanity. He articulates that food contributes to our physical mass, peace reduces obstacles that hinder our progress, and work fuels our energy and advancement. Together, these elements create a framework for maximizing human energy and capability, underscoring the interconnectedness of basic needs and higher aspirations in the quest for growth.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth, one could use this quote to highlight the foundational elements needed for progress.
More from Nikola Tesla
All quotes →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.
Similar quotes
The human race may be the only intelligent beings in the galaxy.
What we observe as material bodies and forces are nothing but shapes and variations in the structure of space.
C'este donc par l'étude des mathématiques, et seulement par elle, que l'on peut se faire une idée juste et approfondie de ce que c'est qu'une science.
The struggle against poverty in the world and the challenge of cutting wealthy country emissions all has a single, very simple solution... Here it is: Put a price on carbon.
All policies should be guided by science, not just whose voice is the loudest.
A zero-gravity flight is a first step toward space travel.