Courses Quote by Niels Bohr
“If you have a correct statement, then the opposite of a correct statement is of course an incorrect statement, a wrong statement. But when you have a deep truth, then the opposite of a deep truth may again be a deep truth.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Principles of Quantum Mechanics, 1928
Logical opposites hold for simple statements, but deep truths can have equally deep opposites.
In simple terms: Simple facts oppose; deep truths may both be true.
Question assumptions about absolute truth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- debates
- critical thinking
- science education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When can opposing deep truths coexist?
- How does this affect scientific inquiry?
Complex truths can be confusing.