Do not imagine that mathematics is hard and crabbed, and repulsive to common sense. It is merely the etherealization of common sense.
Lord KelvinRead
The fact that mathematics does such a good job of describing the Universe is a mystery that we don't understand. And a debt that we will probably never be able to repay.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mathematics effectively describes the universe, yet its profound nature remains a mystery.
In this quote, Lord Kelvin highlights the remarkable ability of mathematics to accurately model and describe the complexities of the universe. Despite this effectiveness, he suggests that the full understanding of why mathematics works so well is elusive, and acknowledges an enduring debt to this powerful tool that humanity may never fully repay.
Themes
MathematicsUniverseMysteryUnderstandingScience
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the importance of mathematics in physics, this quote could effectively illustrate the profound connection between the two disciplines.
More from Lord Kelvin
All quotes →We only know God in His works, but we are forced by science to admit and to believe with absolute confidence in a Directive Power-in an influence other than physical, or dynamical, or electrical forces.
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In science there is only physics; all the rest is stamp collecting.
Lord KelvinRead
There is nothing new to be discovered in physics now. All that remains is more and more precise measurement.
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Let nobody be afraid of true freedom of thought. Let us be free in thought and criticism; but, with freedom, we are bound to come to the conclusion that science is not antagonistic to religion, but a help to it.
Lord KelvinRead
I need scarcely say that the beginning and maintenance of life on earth is absolutely and infinitely beyond the range of all sound speculation in dynamical science. The only contribution of dynamics to theoretical biology is absolute negation of automatic commencement or automatic maintenance of life.
Lord KelvinRead
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Science is the acceptance of what works and the rejection of what does not. That needs more courage than we might think.
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If you thought that science was certain - well, that is just an error on your part.
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