Skip to content

To understand what we mean when we say that space is…

“To understand what we mean when we say that space is discrete, we must put our minds completely into the relational way of thinking, and really try to see and feel the world around us as nothing but a network of evolving relationships. These relationships are not among things situated in space…” quote by Lee Smolin
Download Open image
““To understand what we mean when we say that space is discrete, we must put our minds completely into the relational way of thinking, and really try to see and feel the world around us as nothing but a network of evolving relationships. These relationships are not among things situated in space - they are among the events that make up the history of the world. The relationships define the space, not the other way around.””

Lee Smolin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Space emerges from relational events; it is defined by connections, not by pre‑existing emptiness.

In simple terms: Space is a network of relationships, not a backdrop.

Key Takeaway

Explore relational thinking to understand reality.

Themes

physics philosophy relationalism space network theory

Mood

curious intellectual speculative

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • education curricula
  • technological design

Key Concepts

quantum gravity ontology systems thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does seeing space relationally change scientific practice?
  • What implications does this have for technology?
A Different Perspective

Relational view may conflict with intuitive, object‑centric models.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Lee Smolin

Explore all 114 Lee Smolin quotes

More Discrete quotes

Browse all 43 Discrete quotes