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Biology Quote by Erwin Schrodinger

“[A living organism] ... feeds upon negative entropy ... Thus the device by which an organism maintains itself stationary at a fairly high level of orderliness (= fairly low level of entropy) really consists in continually sucking orderliness from its environment.” quote by Erwin Schrodinger
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“[A living organism] ... feeds upon negative entropy ... Thus the device by which an organism maintains itself stationary at a fairly high level of orderliness (= fairly low level of entropy) really consists in continually sucking orderliness from its environment.”

Erwin Schrodinger

About This Quote

Source Book: What Is Life? by Erwin Schrödinger, 1944

Organisms sustain low entropy by extracting order from surroundings, maintaining internal organization.

In simple terms: Living things keep order by taking it from the environment.

Key Takeaway

Preserve order by managing energy flow.

Themes

biology entropy systems maintenance

Mood

reflective analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • cellular processes
  • ecosystem management
  • industrial design
  • sustainability planning

Key Concepts

thermodynamics information theory homeostasis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you maintain order in chaotic environments?
  • What sources of “order” can you tap into?
A Different Perspective

Assumes a clear gradient of order, which may not exist in all contexts.

3.5 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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