Control Quote by Arthur Eddington
“It is one thing for the human mind to extract from the phenomena of nature the laws which it has itself put into them; it may be a far harder thing to extract laws over which it has no control.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Nature of the Physical World, 1928
Understanding nature’s laws is easier when we assume we shape them; recognizing limits when we do not.
In simple terms: We grasp what we control, struggle with what we don’t.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge limits, seek humility.
Themes
knowledge
humility
science
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- research design
- policy making
- environmental planning
- technology development
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
epistemology
control
uncertainty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate between controllable and uncontrollable factors?
- What strategies help when facing unknown variables?
A Different Perspective
Assuming control can lead to overconfidence and misinterpretation.
![“For the religious, passivism [i.e., objects are obedient to the laws of nature] provides a clear role of God as the author of the laws of nature. If the laws of nature are God's commands for an essentially passive world ..., God also has the power to suspend the laws of nature, and so perform…” quote by Brian Ellis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea9/brian-ellis-75025_clear_for-the-religious-passivism-i-e-objects_131744.jpg)
![“[When thinking about the new relativity and quantum theories] I have felt a homesickness for the paths of physical science where there are ore or less discernible handrails to keep us from the worst morasses of foolishness.” quote by Arthur Eddington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/530/arthur-eddington-8366_felt_when-thinking-about-the-new-relativity-a_674760.jpg)
