"The railroad originally was as completely dissociated from steam propulsion as was the ship"
- John Moody
About this Quote
John Moody's quote is describing the development of the railroad and its relationship to steam propulsion. At the time of its invention, the railway was not powered by steam. Instead, it depended on horses, mules, and other animals to pull the carriages along the tracks. This resembled the method ships were powered prior to the innovation of steam engines. The quote is highlighting the truth that the railroad was not initially powered by steam, and that the 2 innovations were totally separate.
The development of the steam engine revolutionized transport, enabling faster and more efficient travel. The railway was one of the first innovations to gain from this brand-new kind of propulsion. By the mid-19th century, steam engines had become the main type of power for railroads. This permitted faster and more reputable transport, and assisted to spur the growth of the industrial revolution.
John Moody's quote is a reminder of how far transport innovation has can be found in a reasonably brief period of time. It also functions as a suggestion of the value of innovation and the power of innovation to change the world.
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