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Fine-structure-constant Quote by Victor Frederick Weisskopf

“Through Jung [Pauli] became very interested in various kinds of mysticism, including Jewish mysticism. This led Pauli to develop a friendship with Gershom Scholem, the world's greatest authority in that field and in the Cabala, … On one occasion Scholem asked me to tell him about unsolved problems…” quote by Victor Frederick Weisskopf
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““Through Jung [Pauli] became very interested in various kinds of mysticism, including Jewish mysticism. This led Pauli to develop a friendship with Gershom Scholem, the world's greatest authority in that field and in the Cabala, … On one occasion Scholem asked me to tell him about unsolved problems in modern physics. … When I mentioned this number --137-- to Scholem, … He told me that in Hebrew … The number corresponding to the word 'cabala' happens to be 137.””

Victor Frederick Weisskopf

About This Quote

Source Interview: Oral History with Victor F. Weisskopf, 1975

Weuli connected physics with mysticism, noting that the Hebrew gematria of “cabala” equals 137, a significant number in physics.

In simple terms: Weuli saw a link between mysticism and physics via the number 137.

Key Takeaway

Explore interdisciplinary connections.

Themes

science mysticism numerology history philosophy

Mood

intrigued contemplative

Type

historical interdisciplinary

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • personal curiosity
  • cross‑cultural dialogue

Key Concepts

gematria interdisciplinary study symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do symbolic numbers influence scientific thinking?
  • Can mysticism inform scientific inquiry?
A Different Perspective

The link may be coincidental rather than causal.

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