How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The Yankees, the first mechanics of the world, are born engineers, as Italians are born musicians and Germans metaphysicians (1.3)
Technological growth is built into the American DNA. It doesn't matter if you're talking about cannons, airplanes, or computers—chances are good that an American has something to do with its invention. Technology is like apple pie to this country.
Quote #2
J.T. Maston was carried away by his enthusiasm; his voice assumed lyrical accents, as he sang this sacred song of the shot (7.16)
Throughout the novel, Verne uses spiritual imagery ("the sacred song") to describe technology. For men like Maston, technological growth is a religious mission. All praise be to Google.
Quote #3
"I should be the last to assert that the science of gunnery has made no progress, but we must not forget that the middle ages obtained astonishing results" (7.52)
Barbicane is impressed by the resourcefulness of those medieval inventors. Technology isn't always a zero-sum game: Sometimes forward motion in time doesn't lead to forward motion in technological growth.