Max-planck Quote by Philipp von Jolly
““In this field, almost everything is already discovered, and all that remains is to fill a few unimportant holes. { Advising his student, Max Planck , whom he advised in 1878, not to go into physics, at at the University of Munich }””
About This Quote
Source Letter: University of Munich, 1878
Science often feels complete, but remaining questions are minor; cautioning a student against a physics career.
In simple terms: Science seems finished, but small gaps remain.
Key Takeaway
Consider the depth of a field before choosing it.
Themes
education
career advice
science
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Academic counseling
- career planning
- research motivation
Key Concepts
epistemology
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknowns could reshape physics?
- How to balance passion with realistic expectations?
A Different Perspective
The view underestimates future breakthroughs.
![“[Max Planck] was one of the finest people I have ever known... but he really didn't understand physics, [because] during the eclipse of 1919 he stayed up all night to see if it would confirm the bending of light by the gravitational field. If he had really understood [general relativity], he would…” quote by Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2d8/albert-einstein-33_all-night_max-planck-was-one-of-the-finest-people_2647781.jpg)
