Atoms Quote by Lewis Thomas
“I do not understand modern physics at all, but my colleagues who know a lot about the physics of very small things, like the particles in atoms, or very large things, like the universe, seem to be running into one queerness after another, from puzzle to puzzle.”
About This Quote
Science reveals endless mysteries, from subatomic particles to cosmic scales, showing our limited understanding
In simple terms: Physics is full of puzzles at every scale
Key Takeaway
Embrace curiosity about the unknown
Themes
science wonder
humility
complexity
Mood
inquisitive
humble
reflective
Type
philosophical
scientific
inspirational
When to use this quote
- studying physics
- reading popular science
- discussing scientific mysteries
- attending lectures
- reflecting on personal ignorance
Key Concepts
scale of reality
interconnectedness
knowledge limits
Questions to Reflect On
- What recent discovery changed your view of the universe?
- How does recognizing limits affect your learning approach?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize ignorance, ignoring practical scientific progress
![“If I say [electrons] behave like particles I give the wrong impression; also if I say they behave like waves. They behave in their own inimitable way, which technically could be called a quantum mechanical way. They behave in a way that is like nothing that you have seen before.” quote by Richard P. Feynman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fd0/richard-p-feynman-495_behave_if-i-say-electrons-behave-like-particles_1495136.jpg)
![“[Decoding the human genome sequence] is the most significant undertaking that we have mounted so far in an organized way in all of science. I believe that reading our blueprints, cataloguing our own instruction book, will be judged by history as more significant than even splitting the atom or…” quote by Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c6/francis-collins-5281_atoms_decoding-the-human-genome-sequence-is-th_15604.jpg)
