"So far as the economic condition of society and the general mode of living and thinking were concerned, I might claim to have lived in the time of the American Revolution"
- Simon Newcomb
About this Quote
The quote by Simon Newcomb shows a profound reflection on the relationship in between social progress and historical connection. Newcomb, a prominent 19th-century Canadian-American astronomer and mathematician, is conjuring up the American Transformation-- a duration associated with transformation and the birth of a nation-- as a metaphorical backdrop to comment on the socio-economic conditions of his own time.
By recommending that he "may claim to have lived in the time of the American Revolution," Newcomb is most likely expressing a perceived stagnation or cyclical nature in social and financial advancements. Even in the late 19th or early 20th century, he sees parallels with the revolutionary age, perhaps hinting at continuous struggles for progress and equality, or repeating patterns of economic disparity that echo those early advanced stress. This could underscore his view that in spite of the passage of time and improvements in technology and knowledge, particular fundamental problems stay unaddressed or unsolved.
Furthermore, Newcomb's reflection on "the basic mode of living and thinking" can be translated as a critique or observation of social standards and values that continue gradually. In his age, society was grappling with the Industrial Revolution, scientific developments, and shifting financial landscapes. Yet, Newcomb suggests that the core human experiences, goals, and difficulties might not have actually dramatically altered considering that the 18th century. This could suggest a philosophical stance on the human condition, recognizing that while circumstances evolve, our important nature and social predicaments stay consistent.
His words may also evoke a sense of nostalgia or a broader historic viewpoint, acknowledging that individuals in his time could still discover commonness with the innovative spirit of modification, liberty, and pursuit of improvement that specified the American Revolution. This connection serves to bridge periods, suggesting an ongoing journey in which each generation becomes part of a larger, cyclical story of striving toward societal improvement and reevaluation of values.
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