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About this quote

What does it mean?
Swift notes that natural body parts like fingers and hands existed before artificial tools like forks and knives.
In plain terms
Natural tools like hands came before invented tools like forks.
What can you take from it?
Nature provides before tools are invented.

Where it applies

  • discussing invention
  • reflecting on nature

Putting it to work

  • commentary on technology
  • historical observation

Questions to consider

  • Is nature sufficient without tools?
  • How do tools change behavior?

Another view

Tools extend human capability beyond nature.

More from Jonathan Swift

  1. That's as well said, as if I had said it myself.

    Permalink to quote #73
  2. She has more goodness in her little finger, than he has in his whole body.

    Permalink to quote #75
  3. He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.

    Permalink to quote #72

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