Mystics understand the roots of the Tao but not its branches; scientists understand its branches but not its roots. Science does not need mysticism and mysticism does not need science; but man needs both.
Fritjof CapraRead
Subatomic particles do not exist but rather show 'tendencies to exist', and atomic events do not occur with certainty at definite times and in definite ways, but rather show 'tendencies to occur'.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that at the quantum level, the behavior of particles is probabilistic rather than deterministic.
Fritjof Capra's quote highlights the foundational concepts of quantum mechanics, where subatomic particles do not possess definite states or positions until they are observed. Instead, they exhibit tendencies or probabilities of existing in certain states as governed by the principles of uncertainty, which challenges traditional notions of causality and determinism in physics.
Themes
QuantumUncertaintyProbabilityPhysicsParticles
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on quantum mechanics, one could use this quote to emphasize the non-deterministic nature of subatomic interactions.
More from Fritjof Capra
All quotes →Both the physicist and the mystic want to communicate their knowledge, and when they do so with words their statements are paradoxical and full of logical contradictions.
Fritjof CapraRead
The more complex the network is, the more complex its pattern of interconnections, the more resilient it will be.
Fritjof CapraRead
During periods of relaxation after concentrated intellectual activity, the intuitive mind seems to take over and can produce the sudden clarifying insights which give so much joy and delight.
Fritjof CapraRead
The more we study the major problems of our time, the more we come to realise that they cannot be understood in isolation. They are systemic problems, which means that they are interconnected and interdependent.
Fritjof CapraRead
In the end, the aggressors always destroy themselves, making way for others who know how to cooperate and get along. Life is much less a competitive struggle for survival than a triumph of cooperation and creativity.
Fritjof CapraRead
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