--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Quite obviously, a theoretical…" description: "\"“Quite obviously, a theoretical determination of the numerical value of α would signify great progress in our understanding of fundamental interactions..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/982/harald-fritzsch-241459_feynman_quite-obviously-a-theoretical-determinat_2508102.jpg" --- # Quite obviously, a theoretical determination of the… ![“Quite obviously, a theoretical determination of the numerical value of α would signify great progress in our understanding of fundamental interactions. Many physicists have tried to find it, but without significant success to this day. Richard Feynman, the theory wizard of Caltech in Pasadena…” quote by Harald Fritzsch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/982/harald-fritzsch-241459_feynman_quite-obviously-a-theoretical-determinat_2508102.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/982/harald-fritzsch-241459_feynman_quite-obviously-a-theoretical-determinat_2508102.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/982/harald-fritzsch-241459_feynman_quite-obviously-a-theoretical-determinat_2508102.jpg) > ““Quite obviously, a theoretical determination of the numerical value of α would signify great progress in our understanding of fundamental interactions. Many physicists have tried to find it, but without significant success to this day. Richard Feynman, the theory wizard of Caltech in Pasadena, once suggested that every one of his theory colleagues should write on the blackboard in his office: 137 -- how shamefully little we understand!”” [Harald Fritzsch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harald-fritzsch/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Physicists have long sought the precise value of the fine‑structure constant, yet it remains elusive, highlighting gaps in our understanding. **In simple terms:** Scientists still lack exact value of key constant. Key Takeaway Accept uncertainty while pursuing knowledge. Themes physics science unknown measurement humility Mood inquisitive humble Type Feynman:0 Fine-structure-constant:0 Learning:0 Physics:0 Quantum theory:0 Theory:0 Feynman Theory:0 Fundamental Interactions:0 Theoretical Determination:0 Interactions Physicists:0 When to use this quote - academic study - experimental design - science communication Key Concepts fine‑structure constant theoretical physics research challenges Questions to Reflect On - Why does this constant matter? - How can we improve measurement techniques? A Different Perspective Even great minds admit limited knowledge. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Feynman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feynman/) [Feynman Theory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feynman-theory-1130196/) [Fine-structure-constant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fine-structure-constant/) [Fundamental Interactions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fundamental-interactions-1130197/) [Interactions Physicists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interactions-physicists-1130199/) [Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [Physics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physics/) [Quantum theory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quantum-theory/) [Theoretical Determination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theoretical-determination-1130198/) [Theory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theory/) ## Related quotes > [“Take this neat little equation here. It tells me all the ways an electron can make itself comfortable in or around an atom. 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