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About this quote

What does it mean?
Even in physics, we admit we don't fully understand energy, showing the limits of current knowledge. Science progresses by acknowledging what is unknown.
In plain terms
We study energy without fully knowing what it is, showing the limits of science.
What can you take from it?
Accept uncertainty as part of scientific progress.

Where it applies

  • research
  • education
  • critical thinking

Putting it to work

  • teach concepts as open questions
  • encourage curiosity over certainty

Questions to consider

  • What do I think I know but don't?
  • How does not knowing help me?

Another view

Some practical applications work well even without deep theoretical understanding.

More from Richard Feynman

  1. A great deal more is known than has been proved.

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  2. We can't define anything precisely. If we attempt to, we get into that paralysis of thought that comes to philosophers: one saying to the other: 'you don't kno…

    Permalink to quote #26
  3. I'd hate to die twice. It's so boring.

    Permalink to quote #23

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