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If anybody says he can think about quantum physics without getting giddy, that only shows he has not understood the first thing about them.
Niels Bohr
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Understanding quantum physics is so complex that it can overwhelm those who truly grasp its principles.

Niels Bohr emphasizes that the profound and often counterintuitive nature of quantum physics is such that a true understanding leads to a sense of wonder or even confusion. If one feels unfazed by the complexities of quantum mechanics, it likely indicates that they have not fully grasped its intricacies and the philosophical implications it carries.

Themes

QuantumPhysicsUnderstandingGiddyComplexity

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on advanced physics, a professor might quote Bohr to illustrate the challenging nature of quantum mechanics.

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When asked ... [about] an underlying quantum world, Bohr would answer, 'There is no quantum world. There is only an abstract quantum physical description. It is wrong to think that the task of physics is to find out how nature is. Physics concerns what we can say about Nature.'
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An independant reality in the ordinary physical sense can neither be ascribed to the phenomenon nor to the agencies of observation.
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Those who are not shocked when they first come across quantum theory cannot possibly have understood it.
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And anyone who thinks they can talk about quantum theory without feeling dizzy hasn't yet understood the first thing about it.
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Quote by Niels Bohr | QuoteProject