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John Archibald Wheeler

John Archibald Wheeler Quotes

Physicist

John Archibald Wheeler was a renowned theoretical physicist known for his contributions to the fields of general relativity and quantum mechanics. He also conducted significant research in atomic nucleus physics, particle physics, and cosmology, which had a profound impact on the development of modern physics.

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All Universe Physics Science Strange Existence Ideas Observers Simple Thinking World Accounts Beautiful Behinds Bits Concepts Doe Fine Structure Constant Found Has Beens Havens

Famous John Archibald Wheeler Quotes

“the past has no existence except as it is recorded in the present. (...) we would seem forced to say that no phenomenon is a phenomenon until it is an observed phenomenon. The universe does not 'exist, out there' independent of all acts of observation. Instead, it is in some strange sense a participatory universe”

Reality Past Universe Existence Observation Phenomenon

Author:John Archibald Wheeler

“'Participant' is the incontrovertible new concept given by quantum mechanics. It strikes down the 'observer' of classical theory, the man who stands safely behind the thick glass wall and watches what goes on without taking part. It can't be done, quantum mechanics says it...May the universe in some sense be 'brought into being' by the participation of those who participate?”

Men May Done Universe Given Behinds Watches He Man Theory Wall Goes On Concepts Unity Glasses Strikes Thick Quantum Participation Mechanic Observers Participants Quantum Mechanics

Author:John Archibald Wheeler

“This is *our* Universe, our museum of wonder and beauty, our cathedral.”

Science Religion Universe Wonder Museums Cathedrals

Author:John Archibald Wheeler

“No space, no time, no gravity, no electromagnetism, no particles. Nothing. We are back where Plato, Aristotle and Parmenides struggled with the great questions: How Come the Universe, How Come Us, How Come Anything? But happily also we have around the answer to these questions. That's us.”

Universe Space Answers Gravity Plato Particles Electromagnetism

Author:John Archibald Wheeler

“We are not only observers. We are participators. In some strange sense this is aparticipatory universe.”

Universe Strange Observers

Author:John Archibald Wheeler

“The universe gives birth to consciousness, and consciousness gives meaning to the universe.”

Giving Universe Consciousness Birth

Author:John Archibald Wheeler

“We will first understand how simple the universe is when we recognize how strange it is.”

Firsts Universe Simple Strange

Book:Geons, Black Holes, and Quantum Foam: A Life in Physics

Source: Geons, Black Holes, and Quantum Foam: A Life in Physics

“There are many modes of thinking about the world around us and our place in it. I like to consider all the angles from which we might gain perspective on our amazing universe and the nature of existence.”

Thinking World Might Universe Existence Perspective Gains Angle

Book:Geons, Black Holes, and Quantum Foam: A Life in Physics

Source: Geons, Black Holes, and Quantum Foam: A Life in Physics

“It from bit symbolizes the idea that every item of the physical world has at bottom...an immaterial source and explanation...that all things physical are information-theoretic in origin and that this is a participatory universe.”

World Ideas Universe Bits Information Source All Things Bottom Explanation Items

Author:John Archibald Wheeler

About the Author

Born: July 9, 1911
Died: April 13, 2008
Known for: Physicist
Quotes: 35

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Geons, Black Holes, and Quantum Foam: A Life in PhysicsRelated source material

Geons, Black Holes and Quantum Foam: A Life in PhysicsRelated source material

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