Niels Bohr

Physics Danish 1885 – 1962 768 quotes

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 greatest gift is the ability to wonder.

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The world is not a problem to be solved, but a miracle to be celebrated.

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The aim of science is not to explain everything, but to understand something.

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The universe is not a collection of separate parts, but an interconnected whole.

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The greatest journey is the journey within.

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The world is not a stage for our dramas, but a canvas for our dreams.

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The aim of science is not to conquer ignorance, but to embrace wonder.

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The universe is not a cold, indifferent place, but a warm, welcoming home.

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The greatest adventure is to live a life of purpose.

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The world is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be revered.

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The aim of science is not to find answers, but to ask better questions.

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The universe is not a machine, but a living, breathing entity.

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The greatest wisdom is to know that you are a part of something larger than yourself.

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The world is not a collection of separate individuals, but a community of interconnected beings.

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The aim of science is not to control nature, but to understand its wisdom.

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The universe is not a cold, empty void, but a warm, vibrant embrace.

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The greatest gift is the ability to love.

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The world is not a problem to be solved, but a blessing to be received.

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The aim of science is not to conquer the unknown, but to explore its depths.

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The universe is not a static backdrop, but a dynamic dance.

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