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One of the favorite maxims of my father was the…

“One of the favorite maxims of my father was the distinction between the two sorts of truths, profound truths recognized by the fact that the opposite is also a profound truth, in contrast to trivialities where opposites are obviously absurd” quote by Niels Bohr
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“One of the favorite maxims of my father was the distinction between the two sorts of truths, profound truths recognized by the fact that the opposite is also a profound truth, in contrast to trivialities where opposites are obviously absurd”

Niels Bohr

About This Quote

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

Profound truths hold even when their opposites are also profound, unlike trivialities where opposites are absurd.

In simple terms: Deep truths coexist with opposites.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions.

Themes

philosophy science truth

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • ethical debates
  • critical thinking
  • education

Key Concepts

paradox dualism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can a belief be both true and false?
  • How do you identify trivialities?
A Different Perspective

It may be abstract for everyday use.

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