If you aren't confused by quantum mechanics, you haven't really understood it.
Interpretation
Understanding quantum mechanics involves confronting confusion and complexity.
Niels Bohr's quote suggests that the intricacies and paradoxes of quantum mechanics are inherently baffling, and true comprehension requires grappling with these uncertainties. It emphasizes that confusion is not a sign of ignorance, but rather a fundamental part of mastering such a complex subject.
In practice
In a lecture about quantum physics, you could use this quote to highlight the complexity of the subject.
When asked ... [about] an underlying quantum world, Bohr would answer, 'There is no quantum world. There is only an abstract quantum physical description. It is wrong to think that the task of physics is to find out how nature is. Physics concerns what we can say about Nature.'
An independant reality in the ordinary physical sense can neither be ascribed to the phenomenon nor to the agencies of observation.
An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made, in a narrow field.
Those who are not shocked when they first come across quantum theory cannot possibly have understood it.
When searching for harmony in life one must never forget that in the drama of existence we are ourselves both actors and spectators.
And anyone who thinks they can talk about quantum theory without feeling dizzy hasn't yet understood the first thing about it.
Never will the doctrine of spontaneous generation recover from the mortal blow struck by this simple experiment.
It {Darwin's theory of evolution] was a concept of such stunning simplicity, but it gave rise, naturally, to all of the infinite and baffling complexity of life. The awe it inspired in me made the awe that people talk about in respect of religious experience seem, frankly, silly beside it. I'd take the awe of understanding over the awe of ignorance any day.
The science shows that the best way to use money is to take the issue of money off the people. Pay people enough so that money isn't an issue, and they can focus on doing great work.
No other planet in the solar system is a suitable home for human beings; it's this world or nothing. That's a very powerful perception.
Those who study the stars have God for a teacher.
Mathematics is the key and door to the sciences.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.