Niels Bohr
Pioneer of quantum theory and atomic structure
Most quoted
"The fact that religions through the ages have spoken in images, parables, and paradoxes means simply that there are no other ways of grasping the reality to which they refer. But that does not mean that it is not a genuine reality. And complementarity, by the way, is not a new invention of mine. It is, in fact, as old as language itself. We have to be clear that when it comes to atoms, language can be used only as poetry. The poet, too, is not nearly so concerned with describing facts as with creating images and establishing connections."
— from Interview with Aage Petersen
"The fact that religions through the ages have spoken in images, parables, and paradoxes means simply that there are no other ways of grasping the reality to which they refer. But that does not mean that it is not a genuine reality. And the fact that this reality is not accessible to us in the same way as material reality makes it no less real."
— from Attributed
"The very nature of the quantum theory thus forces us to regard the space-time co-ordination and the claim of causality, the union of which characterizes the classical theories, as complementary but exclusive features of the description, symbolizing the idealization of observation and definition respectively."
— from Atomic Theory and the Description of Nature, 1929
All quotes by Niels Bohr (768)
The quark model from quantum chromodynamics.
Philosophy is the bridge between science and humanity.
The test ban treaty is a step forward.
Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.
The Higgs boson completes the standard model.
The art of conversation is listening.
The quantum internet is on the horizon.
A witty observation: Theories are like clothes; they fit until they don't.
The correspondence principle ensures continuity.
The essence of philosophy is criticism.
The non-proliferation treaty.
The measure of intelligence is adaptability.
The string theory extends quantum principles.
Life is a canvas for our choices.
The black hole information paradox.
Humor is the prelude to wisdom.
The Planck length is the quantum of space.
The meaning of quantum is 'how much'.
The SALT talks for arms control.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
Contemporaries of Niels Bohr
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Niels Bohr (1885–1962).