Able Quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we substitute others for them, less troublesome but also less real, and we are surprised to arrive, notwithstanding a painful labour, only at a result contradicted by nature; as if after having disguised it, cut it short or altered it, a purely mechanical combination could give it back to us.”
About This Quote
When modeling complex phenomena, simplifying assumptions can detach the model from reality, leading to misleading conclusions despite rigorous analysis.
In simple terms: Simplifications may betray the phenomena they model.
Key Takeaway
Beware of over‑simplification.
Themes
philosophy of science
modeling limits
epistemology
methodology
complex systems
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- theoretical physics research
- engineering design analysis
- economic forecasting
- climate modeling
Key Concepts
abstraction
approximation
validation
error propagation
Practical Applications
- refine models with empirical checks
- use multi‑scale approaches
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria determine when a simplification is acceptable?
- How can we detect when a model has strayed too far from reality?
A Different Perspective
Simplifications are sometimes necessary to make problems tractable, and can still yield useful insights if their limits are acknowledged.
