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Home > Dictionary of Science Quotations > Scientist Names Index Z > Gary Zukav Quotes

Gary Zukav
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American author who is known for his best-selling book, The Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics (1979). 'Wu Li', the Chinese word for physics, is a term meaning 'patterns of organic energy.'

Science Quotes by Gary Zukav (2 quotes)

“Wu Li” was more than poetic. It was the best definition of physics that the conference would produce. It caught that certain something, that living quality that we were seeking to express in a book, that thing without which physics becomes sterile. “Wu” can mean either “matter” or “energy.” “Li” is a richly poetic word. It means “universal order” or “universal law.” It also means “organic patterns.” The grain in a panel of wood is Li. The organic pattern on the surface of a leaf is also Li, and so is the texture of a rose petal. In short, Wu Li, the Chinese word for physics, means “patterns of organic energy” (“matter/ energy” [Wu] + “universal order/organic patterns” [Li]). This is remarkable since it reflects a world view which the founders of western science (Galileo and Newton) simply did not comprehend, but toward which virtually every physical theory of import in the twentieth century is pointing!
— Gary Zukav
In The Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics (1979), 5.
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Acceptance without proof is the fundamental characteristic of Western religion, rejection without proof is the fundamental characteristic of Western science.
— Gary Zukav
In The dancing Wu Li Masters: an Overview of the New Physics (1979), 88.
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Carl Sagan Thumbnail In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion. (1987) -- Carl Sagan
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