Care Quote by Peter J. Carroll
“Matter can be conveniently divided for descriptive purposes into space , time , mass, and energy . However we can only describe any one of these phenomena in terms of the other three. Any definitions we care to make about matter are thus tautological .”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Way of the Psychonaut, Peter J. Carroll, 1995
Matter is defined by space, time, mass, and energy, but each definition relies on the other three, making any definition circular.
In simple terms: Matter’s definition is circular.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits of description.
Themes
physics
philosophy
ontology
Mood
analytical
curious
skeptical
Type
theoretical
explanatory
When to use this quote
- academic lectures
- science writing
- philosophical debate
- education
- research
Key Concepts
relativity
quantum mechanics
systems theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we work with such circular definitions?
- What alternative frameworks exist?
A Different Perspective
Circular definitions can hinder practical application.
![“[A] competent magician should have the ability to stand still at a bus stop with closed eyes and have the entire universe disappear apart from a single blazing visualised sigil or muttered spell.” quote by Peter J. Carroll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4d2/peter-j-carroll-13919_chaos-magic_a-competent-magician-should-have-the-abi_154600.jpg)
