...The cloud that is floating over the volcano is illumined by the redness of the fire; the sky seems inflamed. Millions of sparks dart out like lightning to the top of the blazing sheaf, describe great arcs, leaving on their way dazzling trails, and fall in a shower of fire on the slopes of the volcano. These sparks, so small from a distance, are incandescent masses of stone, sometimes several meters in dimensions, and of a sufficient momentum to crush the most solid buildings in their fall. What hand-made machine could throw such masses of rock to such heights? What all our efforts united could not do even once, the volcano does over and over again, as if in play. - Jean Henri Fabre, The Story Book of Science (Chapter 25, Volcanoes)
...Three or four stout-hearted men revive the courage of the terrified population; they hope that heaven will aid them in their devotion, and, ready to sacrifice their lives, they prevent the frightful disaster. Ah! may God give you grace, my dear child, to imitate them in the time of danger; for, you see, if man is great through his intelligence, he is still greater through his heart. In my old age, when I hear you spoken of, I shall be more gladdened by the good you may have done than by the knowledge you may have acquired. Knowledge, my little friend, is only a better means of aiding others... - Jean Henri Fabre, The Story Book of Science (Chapter 26, Catania)
"What all our efforts united could not do even once, the volcano does over and over again, as if in play." << The amazing power of God and His creation! What a wonderful example and how aptly put.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the premise of your second quote--when it comes down to it, education is about caring. How very CM. ;)