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
Just because things get a little dingy at the subatomic level doesn't mean all bets are off.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that despite uncertainty in the micro world of particles, overall understanding remains intact.
Murray Gell-Mann's quote reflects the idea that while the intricacies of quantum mechanics may introduce confusion and complexity at the subatomic level, it does not invalidate the broader principles that govern our understanding of the universe. It highlights the resilience of scientific theories in the face of localized uncertainty.
Themes
SubatomicUncertaintyScienceTheoryQuantum
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on quantum physics to illustrate the nature of scientific inquiry.
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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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