WIST Quotations

Born, Max -- “Einstein’s Statistical Theories,” in Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist (1951) [ed. Paul Arthur Schilpp]

Dave — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 15:38:22 +0000

If God has made the world a perfect mechanism, He has at least conceded so much to our imperfect intellect that in order to predict little parts of it, we need not solve innumerable differential equations, but can use dice with fair success.

Max Born (1882-1970) German physicist
“Einstein’s Statistical Theories,” in Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist (1951) [ed. Paul Arthur Schilpp]

Born, Max -- Experiment and Theory in Physics (1943)

Dave — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 20:47:33 +0000

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. We do not find signposts at crossroads, but our own scouts erect them, to help the rest.

Max Born (1882-1970) German physicist
Experiment and Theory in Physics (1943)

Born, Max -- Natural Philosophy of Cause and Chance (1964)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

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

Max Born (1882-1970) German physicist
Natural Philosophy of Cause and Chance (1964)

Also in My Life and Views (1968), p. 183