Max Born

belief truth root evil

“The belief that there is only one truth and that oneself is in possession of it seems to me the root of all the evil that is in the world”

― Max Born (1882-1970)

theoretical physics philosophy

“I am now convinced that theoretical physics is actual philosophy.”

― Max Born (1882-1970)

certitude absolute exactness final truth science

“I believe that ideas such as absolute certitude, absolute exactness, final truth, etc. are figments of the imagination which should not be admissible in any field of science... This loosening of thinking seems to me to be the greatest blessing which modern science has given to us. For the belief in a single truth and in being the possessor thereof is the root cause of all evil in the world.”

― Max Born (1882-1970)

firm ground penetrate restless universe wild dance

“We have sought for firm ground and found none.

The deeper we penetrate, the more restless becomes the universe; all is rushing about and vibrating in a wild dance.”

― Max Born (1882-1970)

politics human experience relations knowledge science technology

“But in practical affairs, particularly in politics, men are needed who combine human experience and interest in human relations with a knowledge of science and technology.”

― Max Born (1882-1970)

community devote true searchers few mebers

“For all the communities available to us, there is not one I would want to devote myself to, except for the society of the true searchers, which has very few living members at any time.”

― Max Born (1882-1970)

science philosophy epistemology jungle road behind

"I believe there is no philosophical high-road in science, with epistemological signposts. No, we are in a jungle and find our way by trial and error, building our road behind us as we proceed."

― Max Born (1882-1970)

philosohers philosophy progress meaning science concept

"I have tried to read philosophers of all ages and have found many illuminating ideas but no steady progress toward deeper knowledge and understanding. Science, however, gives me the feeling of steady progress: I am convinced that theoretical physics is actual philosophy. It has revolutionized fundamental concepts, e.g., about space and time (relativity), about causality (quantum theory), and about substance and matter (atomistics), and it has taught us new methods of thinking (complementarity) which are applicable far beyond physics."

― Max Born (1882-1970)

advice learn scientific prophesy abstract reason nature lsnguage

"My advice to those who which to learn the art of scientific prophesy is not to rely on abstract reason, but to decipher the secret language of Nature from Nature's documents: the facts of experience."

― Max Born (1882-1970)

science formal logic play mind creative gift

"Science is not formal logic-it needs the free play of the mind in as great a degree as any other creative art. It is true that this is a gift which can hardly be taught, but its growth can be encouraged in those who already posses it."

― Max Born (1882-1970)