Books Quote by Robert P. Lanza
““Quantum theory has unfortunately become a catch-all phrase for trying to prove various kinds of New Age nonsense. It’s unlikely that the authors of the many books making wacky claims of time travel or mind control, and who use quantum theory as “proof ” have the slightest knowledge of physics or could explain even the rudiments of quantum theory. The popular 2004 film, What the Bleep Do We Know? is a good case in point. The movie starts out claiming quantum theory has revolutionized our thinking—which is true enough—but then, without explanation or elaboration, goes on to say that it proves people can travel into the past or “choose which reality you want.” Quantum theory says no such thing. Quantum theory deals with probabilities, and the likely places particles may appear, and likely actions they will take. And while, as we shall see, bits of light and matter do indeed change behavior depending on whether they are being observed, and measured particles do indeed amazingly appear to influence the past behavior of other particles, this does not in any way mean that humans can travel into their past or influence their own history.””
About This Quote
Quantum mechanics is often misused to justify pseudoscientific claims, but its true scope is limited to probabilistic behavior of particles, not supernatural abilities.
In simple terms: Quantum physics deals with probabilities, not magic.
Beware of pseudoscience.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- evaluating fringe theories
- media literacy
- critical thinking
- science education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better communicate the limits of quantum theory?
- What criteria should we use to spot pseudoscientific claims?
Popular media can distort scientific concepts for entertainment.