Skip to content

Physics Quote by Niels Bohr

“Physics is not about how the world is, it is about what we can say about the world” quote by Niels Bohr
Download Open image
““Physics is not about how the world is, it is about what we can say about the world””

Niels Bohr

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Nature of Science, 1958

Science describes models of reality, not reality itself.

In simple terms: Science is about our descriptions, not facts.

Key Takeaway

Focus on questioning and refining models.

Themes

science knowledge language

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • research
  • teaching
  • policy making
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

epistemology modeling interpretation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits our scientific descriptions?
  • How do language and perception shape knowledge?
A Different Perspective

Models can mislead if taken as absolute truth.

2.7 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Niels Bohr

Explore all 108 Niels Bohr quotes

More Physics quotes

Browse all 4,299 Physics quotes