Cause Quote by Isaac Newton
“I have explained the phenomena of the heavens and of our sea by the force of gravity, but I have not yet assigned a cause to gravity.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Principia Mathematica, 1687
Newton describes how gravity explains celestial and terrestrial motion, yet its ultimate origin remains unknown.
In simple terms: Gravity explains motion but its cause is unknown.
Acknowledge limits of current knowledge.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- astronomy research
- physics education
- theoretical research
- public outreach
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What deeper mechanisms could underlie gravity?
- How does accepting unknowns drive scientific progress?
Gravity’s cause may be beyond present empirical methods.