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 adventure is to discover your true self.

Attributed

The world is not a stage, but a symphony.

Attributed

The aim of science is not to explain away mystery, but to deepen it.

Attributed

The universe is not a cold, indifferent machine, but a warm, compassionate heart.

Attributed

The greatest wisdom is to live in harmony with all beings.

Attributed

The world is not a problem to be solved, but a song to be sung.

Attributed

The aim of science is not to conquer nature, but to become one with it.

Attributed

The universe is not a cold, empty space, but a vibrant, living consciousness.

Attributed

The greatest gift is the ability to forgive.

Attributed

The world is not a problem to be solved, but a dream to be realized.

Attributed

The aim of science is not to find answers, but to inspire wonder.

Attributed

The universe is not a static entity, but a dynamic, evolving process.

Attributed

The greatest adventure is to explore the depths of your own being.

Attributed

The world is not a book to be read, but a story to be written.

Attributed

The aim of science is not to control nature, but to learn from it.

Attributed

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

Attributed

The greatest wisdom is to live in the present moment.

Attributed

The world is not a problem to be solved, but a journey to be embarked upon.

Attributed

The aim of science is not to explain everything, but to appreciate the mystery.

Attributed

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

Attributed