In truth, one cannot, it seems, oppose mechanism and finalism, one cannot oppose mechanism and anthropomorphism, for if the functioning of a machine is explained by relations of pure causality, the construction of a machine can be understood neither without purpose nor without man. A machine is made by man and for man, with a view toward certain ends to be obtained, in the form of effects to be produced, a mechanical model of any phenomena is explanatory only so long as we take machines as already granted. ~Georges Canguilhem
#quotes #georges-canguilhem #machines

The apparent world, the one which is perceived, with its figures, its brightness, its colors, is a psychical product, a creation of the observer. The figures seen on the vault of heaven are neither the celestial bodies, nor the true clouds or the falling stars, but are only effigies which the observer's psyche has created and localized how and where it can. ~Vasco Ronchi
#quotes #vasco-ronchi #world

I was born full grown in the middle of a hurricane and an earthquake on 10 September 1954, 12.52 P.M. When I found out that I had missed lunch, I gave such a shout that the Earth stopped and spun backwards two days. That's why I celebrate my birthday on 8 September. ~Jon Scieszka
#quotes #jon-scieszka #birthday

When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills. ~Chinese Proverb
#proverbs #chinese-proverbs #attitude

If you're "stuck" right now, you're probably into fear. Get out of there. You've already looked both ways. Now cross the street, for heaven sake. The cars have long since gone. The coast is clear. Your only obstacle now is your own mind. ~Neale Donald Walsch
#quotes #neale-donald-walsch #mind

I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success; such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything. ~Nikola Tesla
#quotes #nikola-tesla #motivation #success

Advice when most needed is least heeded. ~English Proverb
#proverbs #english-proverbs #advice

It is better to be born a beggar than a fool. ~Spanish Proverb
#proverbs #spanish-proverbs #stupidity

Jealousy and love are sisters. ~Russian Proverb
#proverbs #russian-proverbs #jealousy #love

In his eyes shone the reflection of the most beautiful planet in the Universe; a planet that is not too hot and not too cold; that has liquid water on the surface and where the gravity is just right for human beings and the atmosphere is perfect for them to breathe; where there are mountains and deserts and oceans and islands and forests and trees and birds and plants and animals and insects and people; lots and lots of people. Where there is life. Some of it, possibly, intelligent. ~Stephen Hawking
#quotes #stephen-hawking #life #beauty #earth

The owl is the wisest of all birds because the more it sees, the less it talks. ~African Proverb
#proverbs #african-proverbs #wisdom #speaking

I think you use the negative things that happen from the year before, and from other years, too; to spur you to do the things you need to do to take the next step. ~Tony Romo
#quotes #tony-romo #future

If a man does not tell everything to his spiritual father, then his path is crooked and does not lead to the Kingdom of Heaven. But the path of one who tells everything leads directly to the Kingdom of Heaven. ~Silouan the Athonite
#quotes #silouan-the-athonite #christianity

Never speak ill of the dead. ~English Proverb
#proverbs #english-proverbs #death #respect

If we have any hope of finding ways for seven billion people to live well on planet with finite resources, we have to learn to use our resources efficiently. Plastic bags are neither efficient nor environmentally friendly. ~David Suzuki
#quotes #david-suzuki #environment

Law represents the effort of man to organize society; governments, the efforts of selfishness to overthrow liberty. ~Henry Ward Beecher
#quotes #henry-ward-beecher #society #law #humanity #government

Do not permit the events of your daily life to bind you, but never withdraw yourself from them. ~Zen Proverb
#proverbs #zen-proverbs #buddhism #life

She who does not yet know how to walk cannot climb a ladder. ~Ethiopian Proverb
#proverbs #ethiopian-proverbs

For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth. ~Sanskrit Proverb
#proverbs #sanskrit-proverbs

Though ugliness be the opposite of beauty, it is not the opposite to proportion and fitness; for it is possible that a thing may be very ugly with any proportions, and with a perfect fitness for any use. ~Edmund Burke
#quotes #edmund-burke #beauty

Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know. ~English Proverb
#proverbs #english-proverbs

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. ~English Proverb
#proverbs #english-proverbs

If a man does only what is required of him, he is a slave. If a man does more than is required of him, he is a free man. ~Chinese Proverb
#proverbs #chinese-proverbs #freedom #work

Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality. ~Ralph Marston
#quotes #ralph-marston #expectations #performance

A friend's eye is a good mirror. ~Irish Proverb
#proverbs #irish-proverbs #friendship #truth