“Mountain climbing is an analogue of the research process in theoretical physics. In working on a problem in physics one is never assured of a solution, because there are many false leads and pitfalls. Likewise in climbing there is no certainty of attaining the summit; the route is often unknown, or sometimes one attains a false summit. But the important point is that if you reach the top, the view is enormous. There is no comparison between what you see from just below the summit and what you can see from the top. Similarly with finally solving an important problem in physics the view you get is enormous.”

— Heinz R. Pagels

Source: The Cosmic Code (1982), p. 272

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update Jan. 28, 2022. History

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Heinz R. Pagels 6

American physicist 1939–1988

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