Yet is it possible in terms of the motion of atoms to explain how men can invent an electric motor, or design and build a great cathedral? If such achievements represent anything more than the requirements of physical law, it means that science must investigate the additional controlling factors, whatever they may be, in order that the world of nature may be adequately understood.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the need for science to explore beyond physical laws to understand human creativity and achievements.
Arthur Compton's quote suggests that while physical laws govern the motion of atoms, they do not fully account for human innovation and creativity, such as inventing electric motors or constructing grand cathedrals. He argues that to fully understand nature and human accomplishments, science must investigate additional factors that influence our capabilities and achievements beyond mere physical constraints.
In practice
In a speech about innovation, one could use this quote to highlight the interplay between science and creativity.
Those whose thinking is disciplined by science, like all others, need a basis for the good life, for aspiration, for courage to do great deeds. They need a faith to live by. The hope of the world lies in those who have such faith and who use the methods of science to make their visions become real. Such visions and hope and faith are not a part of science.
The scientist who recognizes God knows only the God of Newton. To him the God imagined by Laplace and Comte is wholly inadequate. He feels that God is in nature, that the orderly ways in which nature works are themselves the manifestations of God's will and purpose. Its laws are his orderly way of working.
It will free man from the remaining chains, the chains of gravity which still tie him to this planet.
Psychology has a long past, but only a short history.
For me, it was my first cosmic connection, on par with a first kiss. No other planet looks as unworldly or surreal as Saturn. When you see it floating in the eyepiece of your telescope, you feel as if you've uncovered mystery in the cosmos.
The observation that species are amazingly conservative and static entities throughout long periods of time has all the qualities of the emperor's new clothes: everyone knew it but preferred to ignore it. Paleontologists, faced with a recalcitrant record obstinately refusing to yield Darwin's predicted pattern, simply looked the other way.
All models are wrong, and increasingly you can succeed without them.
Unlike science, creationism cannot predict anything, and it cannot provide satisfactory answers about the past.
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