---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Each electron wants the whole of…"
description: "\"“Each electron wants the whole of three-dimensional space for its waves; so Schrodinger generously allows three dimensions for each of them. For two el..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/arthur-stanley-eddington-20703_schrodinger_each-electron-wants-the-whole-of-three-d_3120204.jpg"
---

#  Each electron wants the whole of three-dimensional space…

![“Each electron wants the whole of three-dimensional space for its waves; so Schrodinger generously allows three dimensions for each of them. For two electrons he requires a six-dimensional sub-aether. He then successfully applies his method on the same lines as before. I think you will see now that…” quote by Arthur Stanley Eddington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/arthur-stanley-eddington-20703_schrodinger_each-electron-wants-the-whole-of-three-d_3120204.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/arthur-stanley-eddington-20703_schrodinger_each-electron-wants-the-whole-of-three-d_3120204.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/arthur-stanley-eddington-20703_schrodinger_each-electron-wants-the-whole-of-three-d_3120204.jpg)

> ““Each electron wants the whole of three-dimensional space for its waves; so Schrodinger generously allows three dimensions for each of them. For two electrons he requires a six-dimensional sub-aether. He then successfully applies his method on the same lines as before. I think you will see now that Schrodinger has given us what seemed to be a comprehensible physical picture only to snatch it away again. His sub-aether does not exist in physical space; it is in a 'configuration space' imagined by the mathematician for the purpose of solving his problems, and imagined afresh with different numbers of dimensions according to the problem proposed. It was only an accident that in the earliest problems considered the configuration space had a close correspondence with physical space, suggesting some degree of objective reality of the waves. Schrodinger's wave mechanics is not a physical theory but a dodge - and a very good dodge too.””

[Arthur Stanley Eddington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-stanley-eddington/)

## About This Quote

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

Schrödinger’s wave function lives in abstract configuration space, not physical space, making it a mathematical tool rather than a literal description.

**In simple terms:** Wave mechanics is a useful model, not a direct picture of reality.

Key Takeaway

Treat wave functions as calculations, not physical objects.

Themes

physics philosophy science interpretation

Mood

analytical curious

Type

explanatory critical

When to use this quote

- research papers
- teaching
- philosophical debate
- technology development

Key Concepts

quantum theory mathematical modeling ontology epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

- What does this imply about scientific models?
- Can we trust models without physical reality?

A Different Perspective

Complex mathematics can obscure intuitive understanding for non‑experts.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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