“But science sets out confidently on the endeavor finally to know the thing in itself, and even though we realize that this ideal goal can never be completely reached, still we struggle on towards it untiringly. And we know that at every step of the way each effort will be richly rewarded.”

—  Max Planck

Where is science going? The Universe in the light of modern physics. (1932)

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update May 28, 2025. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "But science sets out confidently on the endeavor finally to know the thing in itself, and even though we realize that t…" by Max Planck?
Max Planck photo
Max Planck 30
German theoretical physicist 1858–1947

Related quotes

Gene Roddenberry photo
Teresa of Ávila photo

“We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding His greatness we realize our own littleness”

Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) Roman Catholic saint

First Mansions, Ch. 2 : The Human Soul, as translated by the Benedictines of Stanbrook (1911), revised and edited by Fr. Benedict Zimmerman
Interior Castle (1577)
Context: We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding His greatness we realize our own littleness; His purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon His humility we find how very far we are from being humble.

Danny Yamashiro photo

“Let us be courageous in the face of life's disappointments - all the while knowing we are a step closer toward our goal as we grow in determination.”

Danny Yamashiro (1967) American radio evangelist

From Building Blocks for Better Living, pages 65

John Berger photo
Joseph Goebbels photo

“You and I, we are fighting each other but we are not really enemies. By doing so we are dividing our strength, and we shall never reach our goal. Maybe the final extremity will bring us together. Maybe.”

Joseph Goebbels (1897–1945) Nazi politician and Propaganda Minister

1920s
Source: Nationalsozialismus oder Bolschewismus? (National Socialism or Bolshevism), open letter to “My Friends on the Left,” Nationalsozialistische Briefe (National Socialist Letters), (Oct. 15, 1925); Joseph Gobbles, Quoted in The Devil’s Disciples, Anthony Read, W. W. Norton & Company, 2005, p. 142

Otto Lilienthal photo

“We are getting closer to this goal. When we will reach it, I do not know.”

Otto Lilienthal (1848–1896) German aviation pioneer

Letter to Moritz von Egidy (c. January 1894) - Original German text online http://www.lilienthal-museum.de/olma/l1852.htm
Context: I, too, have made it a lifelong task of mine to add a cultural element to my work, which should result in uniting countries and reconciling their people. Our experience of today's civilisation suffers from the fact that it only happens on the surface of the earth. We have invented barricades between our countries, custom regulations and constraints and complicated traffic laws and these are only possible because we are not in control of the 'kingdom of the air', and not as 'free as a bird'.
Numerous technicians in every state are doing their utmost to achieve the dream of free, unlimited flight and it is precisely here where changes can be made which would have a radical effect on our whole way of life. The borders between countries would lose their significance, because they could not be closed off from each other. Linguistic differences would disappear, as human mobility increased. National defence would cease to devour the best resources of nations as it would become impossible in itself. And the necessity of resolving disagreements among nations in some other way than by bloody battles would, in its turn, lead us to eternal peace.
We are getting closer to this goal. When we will reach it, I do not know.

Wil Wheaton photo

“Sometimes we know in our bones what we really need to do, but we're afraid to do it. Taking a chance and stepping beyond the safety of the world we've always known is the only way to grow, though and without risk there is no reward.”

Wil Wheaton (1972) American actor and writer

Source: Just a Geek: Unflinchingly honest tales of the search for life, love, and fulfillment beyond the Starship Enterprise

Aron Ra photo

Related topics