So I triumphed ere my passion sweeping through me left me dry, Left with the palsied heart, and left me with the jaundiced eye; Eye, to which all order festers, all things here are out of joint: Science moves, but slowly slowly, creeping on from point to point: Slowly comes a hungry people, as a lion creeping nigher, Glares at one that nods and winks behind a slowly-dying fire. Yet I doubt not through the ages one increasing purpose runs, And the thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker acknowledges slow scientific progress but believes humanity moves toward a greater purpose.
- In plain terms
- Science moves slow but human thought grows over time.
- What can you take from it?
- Progress is slow but cumulative.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is progress always good?
- What slows change?
Another view
It assumes progress is inevitable without effort.
More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson
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