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 greatest adventure is to discover your true self.
The world is not a stage, but a symphony.
The aim of science is not to explain away mystery, but to deepen it.
The universe is not a cold, indifferent machine, but a warm, compassionate heart.
The greatest wisdom is to live in harmony with all beings.
The world is not a problem to be solved, but a song to be sung.
The aim of science is not to conquer nature, but to become one with it.
The universe is not a cold, empty space, but a vibrant, living consciousness.
The greatest gift is the ability to forgive.
The world is not a problem to be solved, but a dream to be realized.
The aim of science is not to find answers, but to inspire wonder.
The universe is not a static entity, but a dynamic, evolving process.
The greatest adventure is to explore the depths of your own being.
The world is not a book to be read, but a story to be written.
The aim of science is not to control nature, but to learn from it.
The universe is not a cold, indifferent place, but a warm, nurturing home.
The greatest wisdom is to live in the present moment.
The world is not a problem to be solved, but a journey to be embarked upon.
The aim of science is not to explain everything, but to appreciate the mystery.
The universe is not a collection of separate parts, but a unified whole.
Contemporaries of Niels Bohr
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Niels Bohr (1885–1962).