--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Just as the introduction of the…" description: "\"Just as the introduction of the irrational numbers ... is a convenient myth [which] simplifies the laws of arithmetic ... so physical objects are postu..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da9/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_accounts_just-as-the-introduction-of-the-irration_3191599.jpg" --- # Just as the introduction of the irrational numbers ... is… ![“Just as the introduction of the irrational numbers ... is a convenient myth [which] simplifies the laws of arithmetic ... so physical objects are postulated entities which round out and simplify our account of the flux of existence... The conceptional scheme of physical objects is [likewise] a…” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da9/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_accounts_just-as-the-introduction-of-the-irration_3191599.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da9/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_accounts_just-as-the-introduction-of-the-irration_3191599.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da9/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_accounts_just-as-the-introduction-of-the-irration_3191599.jpg) > “Just as the introduction of the irrational numbers ... is a convenient myth \[which\] simplifies the laws of arithmetic ... so physical objects are postulated entities which round out and simplify our account of the flux of existence... The conceptional scheme of physical objects is \[likewise\] a convenient myth, simpler than the literal truth and yet containing that literal truth as a scattered part.” [Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willard-van-orman-quine/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Physical objects are conceptual shortcuts that simplify complex reality, much like myths that help us manage abstract ideas. **In simple terms:** Physical objects are simplifying myths. Key Takeaway Recognize simplifications and question their limits. Themes philosophy epistemology metaphysics Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - scientific modeling - everyday reasoning - teaching physics Key Concepts conceptual abstraction mythmaking reductionism Questions to Reflect On - What assumptions do we accept as convenient myths? - When do simplifications become misleading? A Different Perspective Simplifications can obscure important nuances. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Arithmetic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arithmetic/) [Existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existence/) [Introduction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/introduction/) [Irrational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/irrational/) [Irrational numbers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/irrational-numbers/) [Law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Math](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/math/) [Mathematics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematics/) [Myth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/myth/) [Rounds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rounds/) [Schemes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/schemes/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [The devil is only a convenient myth invented by the real malefactors of our world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-anton-wilson/the-devil-is-only-a-convenient-myth-invented-by-the-real-malefactors/) [Robert Anton Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-anton-wilson/) > [My background is in art. 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