Different directions Quote by Terry Pratchett
““What is magic? Then there is the witches' explanation, which comes in two forms, depending on the age of the witch. Older witches hardly put words to it at all, but may suspect in their hearts that the universe really doesn't know what the hell is going on and consists of a zillion trillion billion possibilities, and could become any one of them if a trained mind rigid with quantum certainty was inserted into the crack and twisted; that, if you really had to make someone's hat explode, all you needed to do was twist into that universe where a large number of hat molecules all decide at the same time to bounce off in different directions. Younger witches, on the other hand, talk about it all the time and believe it involves crystals, mystic forces, and dancing about without yer drawers on. Everyone may be right, all at the same time. That's the thing about quantum.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Discworld series, novel "Equal Rites", 1987
The quote humorously contrasts two ways witches explain magic: older witches see it as chaotic possibilities, while younger witches describe it with mystical imagery, suggesting both perspectives can coexist, reflecting quantum uncertainty.
In simple terms: Older witches view magic as chaotic possibilities; younger witches see it as mystical.
Key Takeaway
Accept multiple explanations for complex phenomena.
Themes
humor
magic
science
uncertainty
perspective
Mood
playful
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
humorous
literary
When to use this quote
- storytelling
- teaching
- creative writing
- philosophical discussion
Key Concepts
quantum mechanics
belief systems
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile scientific and mystical explanations?
- Can multiple contradictory views be true simultaneously?
A Different Perspective
Quantum mechanics shows that observation influences reality, limiting pure speculation.
