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 wisdom is to live in harmony with all of creation.
The world is not a problem to be solved, but a song to be sung together.
The aim of science is not to conquer nature, but to become a part of its grand design.
The universe is not a cold, empty space, but a vibrant, living, conscious being.
The greatest gift is the ability to connect with others.
The world is not a problem to be solved, but a dream to be shared.
The aim of science is not to find answers, but to inspire a sense of awe.
The universe is not a static entity, but a dynamic, ever-changing, unfolding mystery.
The greatest adventure is to explore the boundless potential of the human spirit.
The world is not a book to be read, but a story to be co-created.
The aim of science is not to control nature, but to collaborate with it.
The universe is not a cold, indifferent place, but a warm, nurturing, interconnected web of life.
The greatest wisdom is to live with an open heart and an open mind.
The world is not a problem to be solved, but a journey to be shared with all.
The aim of science is not to explain everything, but to deepen our sense of wonder and curiosity.
The universe is not a collection of separate parts, but a unified, harmonious, living system.
The greatest gift is the ability to love and be loved.
The world is not a problem to be solved, but a canvas to be painted with the colors of our dreams.
The aim of science is not to conquer ignorance, but to illuminate the path to greater understanding and wisdom.
The universe is not a cold, empty void, but a warm, vibrant, conscious, and interconnected tapestry of existence.
Contemporaries of Niels Bohr
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Niels Bohr (1885–1962).