The law that entropy always increases holds, I think, the…
““The law that entropy always increases holds, I think, the supreme position among the laws of Nature. If someone points out to you that your pet theory of the universe is in disagreement with Maxwell's equations - then so much the worse for Maxwell's equations. If it is found to be contradicted by observation - well, these experimentalists do bungle things sometimes. But if your theory is found to be against the Second Law of Thermodynamics I can give you no hope; there is nothing for it to collapse in deepest humiliation.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The second law of thermodynamics is an inviolable constraint; any theory contradicting it is untenable.
In simple terms: Second law cannot be broken.
Key Takeaway
Check theories against entropy.
Themes
physics
law
entropy
theory
science
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- research proposals
- theoretical physics
- engineering designs
- policy decisions
Key Concepts
thermodynamics
fundamental limits
scientific method
Questions to Reflect On
- Can any system truly defy entropy?
- How do we reconcile apparent violations?
A Different Perspective
Entropy increase is statistical, not absolute, allowing local decreases.