Atoms Quote by Terry Pratchett
““After a while the Senior Wrangler said, "Do you know, I read the other day that every atom in your body is changed every seven years? New ones keep getting attached and old ones keep on dropping off. It goes on all the time. Marvelous, really." The Senior Wrangler could do to a conversation what it takes quite thick treacle to do to the pedals of a precision watch. "Yes? What happens to the old ones?" said Ridcully, interested despite himself. "Dunno. They just float around in the air, I suppose, until they get attached to someone else." The Archchancellor looked affronted. "What, even wizards?" "Oh, yes. Everyone. It's part of the miracle of existence." "Is it? Sounds like bad hygiene to me," said the Archchancellor. "I suppose there's no way of stopping it?" "I shouldn't think so," said the Senior Wrangler, doubtfully. "I don't think you're supposed to stop miracles of existence." "But that means everythin' is made up of everythin' else," said Ridcully. "Yes. Isn't it amazing?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld – The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett, 1998
The dialogue humorously explores the idea that atoms constantly replace themselves, suggesting that change is a fundamental, unstoppable aspect of existence.
In simple terms: Atoms in our bodies are constantly changing, showing that everything is in flux.
Key Takeaway
Accept continual change as natural and embrace it.
Themes
change
impermanence
science
humor
philosophy
Mood
playful
thought‑provoking
philosophical
Type
humorous
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- discussing biology in philosophy class
- explaining aging
- debating determinism
- writing sci‑fi narratives
Key Concepts
atomic turnover
miracle of existence
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does constant atomic turnover imply about personal identity?
- How can humor help us confront scientific truths?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex biological processes.
![“[Decoding the human genome sequence] is the most significant undertaking that we have mounted so far in an organized way in all of science. I believe that reading our blueprints, cataloguing our own instruction book, will be judged by history as more significant than even splitting the atom or…” quote by Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c6/francis-collins-5281_atoms_decoding-the-human-genome-sequence-is-th_15604.jpg)
