In
Elbridge Paige’s book of Short Patent Sermons published in 1841 we find
[There are those] who would rather ride to hell in a hand-cart than walk to
heaven supported by the staff of industry.
Things
haven’t changed much, have they?
Sharkey points out in the comments that language changes. I, personally, am old enough to remember when "industry" did mean application of oneself to productive behavior. Thus it did not occur to me to think in terms of current usage when I read the above line. Old guy.
Sharkey points out in the comments that language changes. I, personally, am old enough to remember when "industry" did mean application of oneself to productive behavior. Thus it did not occur to me to think in terms of current usage when I read the above line. Old guy.
4 comments:
True, but what did he mean? Oh! I get it. He means "industry" as work hard, not advancing technology. Words do tend to slide in meaning.
Sharkey, thank you. I have written an addendum pointing out this "change" in usage.
If there be any "tender bowels of mercy," they will forgive and forget.
Chuck, another lesson in archaic language?
Post a Comment