Physics Quote by Carlo Rovelli
““In the world described by quantum mechanics there is no reality except in the relations between physical systems. It isn’t things that enter into relations but, rather, relations that ground the notion of ‘thing’. The world of quantum mechanics is not a world of objects: it is a world of events. Things are built by the happening of elementary events: as the philosopher Nelson Goodman wrote in the 1950s, in a beautiful phrase, ‘An object is a monotonous process.’ A stone is a vibration of quanta that maintains its structure for a while, just as a marine wave maintains its identity for a while before melting again into the sea.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli, 2018
Reality is defined by relationships among events, not by independent objects; things emerge from processes.
In simple terms: Reality is relational, not object‑based.
Key Takeaway
Focus on connections, not isolated things.
Themes
physics
philosophy
ontology
relationalism
process
Mood
curious
thoughtful
Type
explanatory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- philosophical discussion
- education
- public outreach
Key Concepts
quantum mechanics
relational ontology
process philosophy
emergence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do relational perspectives change your view of daily objects?
- Can we balance relational and object‑focused thinking?
A Different Perspective
The relational view may overlook the utility of object‑based models in everyday practice.
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