--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Magnetism also was an influence felt at a…" description: "\"“Magnetism also was an influence felt at a distance, and in a stunning anticipation of the idea of universal gravitation, Kepler suggested that the und..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/938/carl-sagan-160_computers_magnetism-also-was-an-influence-felt-at_182744.jpg" --- # Magnetism also was an influence felt at a distance, and in… ![“Magnetism also was an influence felt at a distance, and in a stunning anticipation of the idea of universal gravitation, Kepler suggested that the underlying cause was akin to magnetism: My aim in this is to show that the celestial machine is to be likened not to a divine organism but rather to a…” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/938/carl-sagan-160_computers_magnetism-also-was-an-influence-felt-at_182744.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/938/carl-sagan-160_computers_magnetism-also-was-an-influence-felt-at_182744.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/938/carl-sagan-160_computers_magnetism-also-was-an-influence-felt-at_182744.jpg) > ““Magnetism also was an influence felt at a distance, and in a stunning anticipation of the idea of universal gravitation, Kepler suggested that the underlying cause was akin to magnetism: My aim in this is to show that the celestial machine is to be likened not to a divine organism but rather to a clockwork …, insofar as nearly all the manifold movements are carried out by means of a single, quite simple magnetic force, as in the case of a clockwork \[where\] all motions \[are caused\] by a simple weight.”” [Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-sagan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Kepler proposed that a single magnetic-like force drives celestial motions, likening the universe to clockwork rather than a living organism. **In simple terms:** A simple magnetic force powers the cosmos like a clock. Key Takeaway Seek underlying simple principles in complex systems. Themes science philosophy cosmology mechanics metaphor Mood curious analytical inspired Type philosophical scientific metaphorical When to use this quote - astronomy research - engineering design - systems analysis - education - philosophical debate Key Concepts magnetism gravity clockwork causality reductionism Questions to Reflect On - What simple forces might underlie other complex phenomena? - How does viewing the universe as clockwork affect our sense of wonder? A Different Perspective Complex systems may involve multiple interacting forces, not just one simple cause. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Computers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/computers/) [Magnetic force](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/magnetic-force/) [Magnetism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/magnetism/) ## Related quotes > [Positive images of the future are a powerful and magnetic force... They draw us on and energize us, give us courage and will to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-james/positive-images-of-the-future-are-a-powerful-and-magnetic-force-they/) [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) > [Section 2.7 The Electrical Character of Matter: 49. What is the main difference between electrostatic forces and gravitational forces? 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