Cause Quote by William Kingdon Clifford
![“Newton supposed that the case of the planet was similar to that of [a ball spun around on the end of an elastic string]; that it was always pulled in the direction of the sun, and that this attraction or pulling of the sun produced the revolution of the planet, in the same way that the traction or…” quote by William Kingdon Clifford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/860/william-kingdon-clifford-17148_cause_newton-supposed-that-the-case-of-the-pla_381195.jpg)
““ Newton supposed that the case of the planet was similar to that of [a ball spun around on the end of an elastic string]; that it was always pulled in the direction of the sun, and that this attraction or pulling of the sun produced the revolution of the planet, in the same way that the traction or pulling of the elastic string produces the revolution of the ball. What there is between the sun and the planet that makes each of them pull the other, Newton did not know; nobody knows to this day; and all we are now able to assert positively is that the known motion of the planet is precisely what would be produced if it were fastened to the sun by an elastic string, having a certain law of elasticity. Now observe the nature of this discovery, the greatest in its consequences that has ever yet been made in physical science:— I. It begins with an hypothesis, by supposing that there is an analogy between the motion of a planet and the motion of a ball at the end of a string. II. Science becomes independent of the hypothesis, for we merely use it to investigate the properties of the motion, and do not trouble ourselves further about the cause of it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ethics of Belief, William K. Clifford, 1877
Newton used an elastic‑string analogy to model planetary motion, showing how hypotheses guide investigation but are not the final cause.
In simple terms: Newton’s analogy helped study motion without explaining its cause.
Key Takeaway
Use analogies to explore phenomena, then test beyond them.
Themes
science
methodology
analogy
philosophy of science
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- physics education
- research design
- science communication
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
hypothesis testing
modeling
causality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we distinguish useful analogies from false ones?
- When should we discard a hypothesis?
A Different Perspective
Analogies may mislead if taken as literal truth.
![“As to your Newton, I confess I do not understand his void and his gravity; I admit he has demonstrated the movement of the heavenly bodies with more exactitude than his forerunners; but you will admit it is an absurdity to maintain the existence of Nothing. [Letter to Voltaire, 25 Nov. 1777]” quote by Frederick the Great](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a1/frederick-the-great-8525_absurdity_as-to-your-newton-i-confess-i-do-not-und_1077457.jpg)
