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Analogies Quote by Marcel Duchamp

“Since I found that one could make a case shadow from a three-dimensional thing, any object whatsoever - just as the projecting of the sun on the earth makes two dimensions - I thought that by simple intellectual analogy, the fourth dimension could project an object of three dimensions, or, to put…” quote by Marcel Duchamp
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“Since I found that one could make a case shadow from a three-dimensional thing, any object whatsoever - just as the projecting of the sun on the earth makes two dimensions - I thought that by simple intellectual analogy, the fourth dimension could project an object of three dimensions, or, to put it another way, any three-dimensional object, which we see dispassionately, is a projection of something four-dimensional, something we are not familiar with.”

Marcel Duchamp

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Fourth Dimension", 1914

We perceive three‑dimensional objects as projections of a higher‑dimensional reality, suggesting deeper layers beyond our senses.

In simple terms: 3D objects may be shadows of a 4D world.

Key Takeaway

Consider unseen dimensions in perception.

Themes

perception dimensions philosophy art science

Mood

curious thoughtful speculative

Type

theoretical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • visual arts
  • theoretical physics
  • creative thinking
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

projection higher dimensions analogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does a fourth‑dimensional object feel like?
  • How can this idea influence artistic practice?
A Different Perspective

The analogy may oversimplify complex geometry and lack empirical proof.

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