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There are no solids. There are no things. There are only interfering and noninterfering patterns operative in pure principle, and principles are eternal. Principles never contradict principles. . . . The synergetic integral of the totality of principles is God, whose sum-total behavior in pure principle is beyond our comprehension and is utterly mysterious to us, because as humans - in pure principle - we do not and never will know all the principles.

Buckminster Fuller#67

PhilosophyPrinciplesRealitySynergyPhysicsMystery

About this quote

What does it mean?
Reality consists of eternal principles and patterns rather than solid objects, with their sum transcending human understanding.
In plain terms
The world is made of unchanging rules, not physical things.
What can you take from it?
Focus on underlying principles rather than surface appearances.

Where it applies

  • scientific inquiry
  • philosophical study
  • problem solving

Putting it to work

  • study fundamental laws
  • look for patterns
  • accept limits of knowledge

Questions to consider

  • What principles guide your decisions?
  • Can you know everything?

Another view

Denying the existence of solid things contradicts everyday physical experience.

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