Civilization

Answers

• Q38EXTENSION

  When a person accomplishes something through a machine, should the machine's power count as that person's capability?

  Yes. People are strong by borrowing the might of the elements; steam, gravity and electricity do their work, so a person should 'hitch his wagon to a star'.

  I admire still more than the saw-mill the skill which, on the sea-shore, makes the tides drive the wheels and grind corn, and which thus engages the assistance of the moon, like a hired hand, to grind, and wind, and pump, and saw, and split stone, and roll iron. Now that is the wisdom of a man, in every instance of his labor, to hitch his wagon to a star, and see his chore done by the gods themselves. That is the way we are strong, by borrowing the might of the elements. The forces of steam, gravity, galvanism, light, magnets, wind, fire, serve us day by day, and cost us nothing. Our astronomy is full of examples of calling in the aid of these magnificent helpers.

  Society and Solitude, Chapter II · Project Gutenberg Society and Solitude; Michigan Emerson complete works text; quotations confirmed.