Max Planck

"Science is the systematic attempt to understand the hidden harmonies of nature."

"Great achievements in science are often preceded by great failures and disappointments."

"The universe rewards curiosity and punishes complacency."

"We are all passengers on the same spaceship Earth, governed by the same natural laws."

"The pursuit of truth is the noblest calling to which a human can dedicate themselves."

"Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the final analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve."

"Anybody who has been seriously engaged in scientific work of any kind realizes that over the entrance to the gates of the temple of science are written the words: 'You must have faith.'"

"The inability to perceive scientific limitations in our knowledge is a profound weakness in our understanding of truth."

"I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness."

"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change—this is the nature of human perception and reality."

"The greatest events in human history are often precipitated by small, seemingly insignificant acts."

"A man cannot sincerely try to be good unless he ceases to measure himself by the standards of this world."

"Religion and natural science need not conflict; they address different questions about existence."

"I am never concerned with the opinions of people who reject the truth without investigation."

"The scientist only imposes two things, namely truth and sincerity, truthfulness and sincerity to himself and to his fellow scientists."

"The study of physics will always involve a certain amount of philosophy and metaphysical thinking."

"If you wish to make progress, you must not destroy the old house before you have built the new one."

"The duty of a scientist is not only to pursue knowledge but to communicate it clearly to others."

"Energy cannot be created or destroyed—it can only be transformed from one form to another, much like human potential."

"The true leader is always led. Where do you think he gets his ideas? From the people. He is always looking, always listening."

"A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it."

"The highest purpose of knowledge is not merely understanding, but the improvement of human existence."

"One must divide one's time between politics and equations. But our equations are much more important, for politics is only for the present, while an equation is something for eternity."

"There is no intelligible universe without some form of order and rational principle governing its operations."

"Those who are not shocked when they first come across quantum theory cannot possibly have understood it."

"A scientist must possess an iron will, unwavering dedication, and the courage to stand alone against prevailing opinion."

"The laws of physics are the canvas God laid down on which to paint his masterpiece."

"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself."

"The fundamental law of nature is that energy can never be destroyed, only transformed—the same applies to human determination."

"The existence of the experimental method and the empirical attitude assures us we are always capable of learning something new."