Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Carlo Rovelli

Quote by Carlo Rovelli

“Our moral values, our emotions, our loves are no less real for being part of nature, for being shared with the animal world, or for being determined by the evolution which our species has undergone over millions of years. Rather, they are more valuable as a result of this: they are real. They are the complex reality of which we are made. Our reality is tears and laughter, gratitude and altruism, loyalty and betrayal, the past which haunts us and serenity.”

Quote by Carlo Rovelli

Work

Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

Browse quotes and source details for this work. more

Author

Carlo Rovelli
Carlo Rovelli

Carlo Rovelli is an Italian theoretical physicist and writer. He is renowned for his research in the field of quantum gravity, particularly in the area of quantum theory of spacetime. Rovelli's work extends beyond the realm of science, as he is also dedicated to communicating complex physical concepts in an accessible way to the general public. more

You May Also Like

“Emotions are a communication from our intuition to our intellect, but all too often we use emotions to project them on others—this is opposite of what they are for, and it’s no wonder that out of the seven emotions, the English language doesn’t even have positive words to describe them. Five out of seven emotions have negative connotations although all seven are neutral. Our emotions are not trying to create chaos in our life, they are suggesting a general way to approach a situation based on what aspect of value is perceived to be most important. Our intuition perceives value, then suggests a general approach to the intellect which is communicated via an emotion. Then the intellect which perceives logic, identifies the risks, and lastly our will-power formulates and employs a plan. Whether or not our intuition assesses well enough what aspect of value is most pivotal in a situation, ignoring it won’t help it get any better. It is best to at least consider how the general approach the emotion was suggesting would play out. What the intuition is basing the general approach on are assumptions, and as our intellect sets logical expectations on those assumptions, they can be challenged and refined. When we try to hold onto our expectations despite reality proving them wrong as the expectations fail, it causes intellectual pain. Trying to guard assumptions from being challenged causes emotional pain.”