If we look at the way the universe behaves, quantum mechanics gives us fundamental, unavoidable indeterminacy, so that alternative histories of the universe can be assigned probability.
Murray Gell-MannRead
If someone says that he can think or talk about quantum physics without becoming dizzy, that shows only that he has not understood anything whatever about it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding quantum physics is complex, and true comprehension can lead to confusion or dizziness.
Murray Gell-Mann's quote implies that if a person claims to fully grasp quantum physics without feeling any confusion, they likely do not understand the subject at all. The inherent complexities and paradoxes of quantum mechanics can be perplexing, and genuine understanding comes with the recognition of these challenges rather than an oversimplified view.
Themes
Quantum PhysicsUnderstandingComplexityConfusionComprehension
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in an academic seminar discussing the challenges of teaching advanced physics.
More from Murray Gell-Mann
All quotes βJust because things get a little dingy at the subatomic level doesn't mean all bets are off.
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Sometimes the probabilities are very close to certainties, but they're never really certainties
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What is especially striking and remarkable is that in fundamental physics a beautiful or elegant theory is more likely to be right than a theory that is inelegant.
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