The world of science lives fairly comfortably with paradox. We know that light is a wave, and also that light is a particle. The discoveries made in the infinitely small world of particle physics indicate randomness and chance, and I do not find it any more difficult to live with the paradox of a universe of randomness and chance and a universe of pattern and purpose than I do with light as a wave and light as a particle. Living with contradiction is nothing new to the human being.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the coexistence of paradoxes in science and life, suggesting that embracing contradictions is a part of the human experience.
In this quote, Madeleine L'Engle highlights the complex nature of understanding our universe, particularly through the lens of scientific discoveries that reveal both randomness and order. She argues that just as light can be both a wave and a particle, life is rich with contradictions that we can learn to accept rather than reject. Embracing these paradoxes can lead to a deeper understanding of existence, suggesting that living with uncertainty and duality is an intrinsic part of the human condition.
In practice
In a science seminar discussing the nature of light and its duality.
Truth is what is true, and it's not necessarily factual. Truth and fact are not the same thing. Truth does not contradict or deny facts, but it goes through and beyond facts. This is something that it is very difficult for some people to understand. Truth can be dangerous.
George MacDonald gives me renewed strength during times of trouble--times when I have seen people tempted to deny God--when he says, "The Son of God suffered unto death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like his.
If you don't recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are.
I never want to lose the story-loving child within me, or the adolescent, or the young woman, or the middle-aged one, because all together they help me to be fully alive on this journey, and show me that I must be willing to go where it takes me, even through the valley of the shadow.
The minute we begin to think we have all the answers, we forget the questions.
When we believe in the impossible, it becomes possible, and we can do all kinds of extraordinary things.
Sunday is the core of our civilization, dedicated to thought and reverence.
To escape the cycle of tragedy, we (searchers) have to be tough on the ideas of the planners, even while we salute their goodwill.
You should aim to be independent of any one vote, of any one fashion, of any one century.
When the gods wish to punish us they answer our prayers.
What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to something that already is?
Unless some effective world supergovernment for the purpose of preventing war can be set up ... the prospects for peace and human progress are dark ....If .... it is found possible to build a world organization of irresistible force and inviolable authority for the purpose of securing peace, there are no limits to the blessings which all men enjoy and share.
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