A quote from one of the great ones

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a specific quote related to quantum mechanics and magnetism, attributed to a founding figure in the field. Participants share their attempts to recall and verify quotes that express the profound nature of quantum phenomena and magnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a quote about the astonishment of observing quantum mechanics, suggesting it may be by Niels Bohr.
  • Another participant provides a different quote attributed to Niels Bohr that emphasizes the dizzying nature of quantum mechanics.
  • A third participant mentions a quote that aligns with the theme of astonishment but does not match the specific wording sought by the original poster.
  • The original poster clarifies that the quotes provided do not match their memory, specifically mentioning a reference to magnets and the mysterious nature of magnetism.
  • A participant expresses willingness to continue searching for the correct attribution of the quote.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific quote being sought, and multiple competing quotes are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is limited by the participants' varying recollections and the lack of definitive sources for the quotes mentioned.

justjohn
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Hello all. I recently stumbled onto this forum, and I'm so glad I did.

I'm hoping one of you can help me remember a quote I read years ago, I think it was by one of the founding fathers of quantum mechanics. As near as I can remember, it read something like "anyone who is not astounded by seeing two magnets leap together simply doesn't understand the significance of what they are seeing". Any help will be much appreciated.

Peace.
 
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I found some on this page :

"If quantum mechanics hasn't profoundly shocked you, you haven't understood it yet." - Niels Bohr
 
I found this:

"Anyone who says that they can contemplate quantum mechanics without becoming dizzy has not understood the concept in the least." -- Niels Bohr

http://www.quotedb.com/quotes/2040
 
I appreciate the replies, but neither of the quotes mentioned are the one I'm trying to track down. The quote I'm looking for specifically referred to astoundment at watching two magnets leap together and the profoundly mysterious nature of magnetism and it's underlying physics.
 
I thought I'd give it a try thinking you might recognize the name. I'll let you know if I find out who said that.
 

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