How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Was I heading for some natural phenomenon that was still unknown to scientists on land? Or even—for the thought did cross my mind—did man perhaps have a part in this blaze? Was some hand fanning the fire? Would I meet companions or friends of Captain Nemo in these deep strata, living as strange an existence as him, and to whom he was paying a visit? Would I find a whole colony of exiles weary of the miseries of earth who had sought independence at the bottom of the ocean—and found it? All these crazy, impossible ideas haunted me. (2.9.37)
Once you've viewed one manmade wonder, it seems like man is capable of a lot more. After Aronnax experiences the Nautilus, his mind begins racing; if this is possible, what else is possible in the world?
Quote #8
"Can it be that all we will have to take with us are the memories of these yet-unseen sight?"
"Would it please you," Captain Nemo asked, "to take back more than memories?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that nothing would be easier than to make a photographic record of this submarine region." (2.11.39-42)
Leave it to Nemo to use another bit of new technology to document his own amazing discoveries. And leave it to Aronnax to fret over making his adventures on the Nautilus immortal; it's all in the name of Science… right?
Quote #9
"And how did we run aground?"
"From a whim of nature, not from human error. There were no operational failures. However, we cannot prevent the effects of equilibrium. One can disdain human laws, but not resist natural ones." (2.15.31-2)
There are some things that no amount of technological sophistication can overcome. Like ice floes. And suffocating from asphyxiation. The lesson here, kiddos, is this: when you mess with Nature, Nature messes with you right back. Okay?!