Two sorts of truth: trivialities, where opposites are obviously absurd, and profound truths, recognised by the fact that the opposite is also a profound truth.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Trivial statements have obvious opposite falsehoods, but deep truths can coexist with their opposites.
- In plain terms
- Real truths can be true even if the opposite is also true.
- What can you take from it?
- Deep truths often contain contradictions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can two opposing ideas both be true?
- Where do you find paradox?
Another view
This view risks justifying inconsistent beliefs.
More from Niels Bohr
How wonderful that we have met with a paradox. Now we have some hope of making progress.
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