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When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.
Daniel Webster
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of farming as the foundation of civilization and progress.

Daniel Webster highlights the critical role of agriculture in societal development. By stating that 'when tillage begins, other arts follow,' he suggests that once a society starts cultivating the land, it lays the groundwork for various advancements and innovations that shape human civilization. Farmers, as the primary producers of food, are essential for sustaining populations and enabling growth in other fields such as art, science, and technology.

Themes

AgricultureFarmingCivilizationSocietyProgress

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on sustainability, one could quote this to emphasize the significance of agriculture.

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Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization.
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Quote by Daniel Webster | QuoteProject