1. "All the steam in the world could not, like the Virgin, build Chartres." This suggests that the construction of this cathedral is possible only with the presence of imagination, of the inspiration provided by Mary. Steam (which represents technology) does not provide the driving factor to create so great a building. Indeed, it is known that Gothic cathedrals were made so high because it was believed it made man that much closer to God.

2. Adams quotes Gibbon upon seeing the cathedral, saying "I darted a contemptuous look on the stately monuments of superstition." Gibbon appears to be looking upon the magnificent work of architecture and design (the cathedral) with a negative attitude. By calling them "monuments of superstition," both Gibbon and Adams are probably commenting on the primarily religious motivation ("superstition") behind the creation of these cathedrals. The "contempt", however, might be actually envy or even awe.

3. In "The Education of Henry Adams," the reader is able to sense apparently ambivalent feelings towards technology and religion, between physical scientific reality and the emotional – yet equally powerful – realm of faith. On one hand we have science and technology, physical realities which make living in our world today much more efficient and convenient. On the other hand is the spiritual and emotional side, which enables us to live, endure and persevere in our world today. Without spirit and emotion to provide us with insight and appreciation, technology becomes, as Adams says, nothing but "ignorance…in the form of inert facts." (380) Indeed, technology is impressive only because of its ability to resemble that spiritual or religious side. (The God-like life-giving powers of modern medicine are one example). Both the technological and spiritual sides are inseparable parts of our lifestyle and the existence of both is dependent on the existence of the other.

Jay R