In wildness is the preservation of the world.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Nature seems to take advantage of the simple mathematical representations of the symmetry laws. When one pauses to consider the elegance and the beautiful perfection of the mathematical reasoning involved and contrast it with the complex and far-reaching physical consequences, a deep sense of respect for the power of the symmetry laws never fails to develop.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on how nature utilizes mathematical symmetry, highlighting the beauty and complexity of its consequences.
Chen-Ning Yang's quote emphasizes the intrinsic relationship between nature and mathematics, particularly the elegance found in symmetry laws. He suggests that when we appreciate the simple mathematical principles underpinning these laws, we not only recognize their beauty but also acknowledge the profound and often intricate impacts they have on the physical world, fostering a deep respect for the order and power of nature.
Themes
NatureMathematicsSymmetryBeautyElegancePower
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about the relationship between physics and mathematics, one could use this quote to illustrate the beauty of scientific laws.
Similar quotes
There are unknown forces in nature; when we give ourselves wholly to her, without reserve, she lends them to us; she shows us these forms, which our watching eyes do not see, which our intelligence does not understand or suspect.
Auguste RodinRead
I see the entire world as Eden, and every time you take an inch of it away, you must do so with respect.
Joni MitchellRead
When scattered clouds are resting on the bosoms of hills, it seems as if one might climb into the heavenly region, earth being so intermixed with sky, and gradually transformed into it.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead
We need to think of the future and the planet we are going to leave to our children and their children.
Kofi AnnanRead
We travel together, passengers on a little spaceship, dependent on its vulnerable reserves of air and soil, all committed, for our safety, to its security and peace. Preserved from annihilation only by the care, the work and the love we give our fragile craft.
Adlai E. StevensonRead