Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the last analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve.
Max PlanckRead
Anybody who has been seriously engaged in scientific work of any kind realizes that over the entrance to the gates of the temple of science are written the words: 'Ye must have faith.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
Scientific inquiry requires a profound belief in the principles and potential of science.
Max Planck's quote emphasizes that despite the rigorous methods and evidence-based approach of science, there remains an essential element of faith in the scientific endeavor. This faith is not a blind belief, but rather a deep trust in the scientific process, the quest for knowledge, and the hope that future discoveries will unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Themes
ScienceFaithKnowledgeInquiryDiscovery
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about the importance of scientific research, this quote can emphasize the role of belief in innovation.
More from Max Planck
All quotes →No burden is so heavy for a man to bear as a succession of happy days.
Max PlanckRead
It is not the possession of truth, but the success which attends the seeking after it, that enriches the seeker and brings happiness to him.
Max PlanckRead
We have no right to assume that any physical laws exist, or if they have existed up until now, that they will continue to exist in a similar manner in the future.
Max PlanckRead
Experiment is the only means of knowledge at our disposal. Everything else is poetry, imagination.
Max PlanckRead
There is no matter as such—mind is the matrix of all matter.
Max PlanckRead
Similar quotes
Perfection is crucial in building an aircraft, a bridge, or a high-speed train. The code and mathematics residing just below the surface of the Internet is also this way. Things are either perfectly right or they will not work. So much of the world we work and live in is based upon being correct, being perfect.
Bren BrownRead
We do not know what the rules of the game are; all we are allowed to do is to watch the playing. Of course, if we watch long enough, we may eventually catch on to a few of the rules. The rules of the game are what we mean by fundamental physics.
Richard P. FeynmanRead
The fact of evolution is the backbone of biology, and biology is thus in the peculiar position of being a science founded on an improved theory, is it then a science or faith?
Charles DarwinRead
As scientists, we step on the shoulders of science, building on the work that has come before us - aiming to inspire a new generation of young scientists to continue once we are gone.
Stephen HawkingRead
Evolution is cleverer than you are.
Francis CrickRead
The world today is made, it is powered by science; and for any man to abdicate an interest in science is to walk with open eyes towards slavery.
Jacob BronowskiRead