"At this period the enthusiasm of the amateur was fast giving way to a more steady commercial instinct, and I let no opportunity slip of improving my position, but I felt that I was still labouring under the disadvantage of not having acquired some technical profession"
- Henry Bessemer
About this Quote
This quote by Henry Bessemer talks to the changing nature of the industrial landscape in the 19th century. At this time, the interest of the amateur was being changed by a more industrial mindset. Bessemer was making the most of this shift and was working to enhance his position. However, he knew that he was at a downside due to not having a technical profession. This quote talks to the value of having a technical occupation in order to succeed in the industrial world. It also speaks with the altering nature of the commercial landscape, as the enthusiasm of the amateur was being replaced by a more industrial state of mind. This shift in state of mind was required for the commercial revolution to occur, as it permitted more effective production and the development of brand-new innovations. Bessemer's quote is a testimony to the significance of having a technical profession in order to prosper in the commercial world.
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