Sunday, October 7, 2012

Separate Issues from Personalities


“God does not play dice.”
“Stop telling God what to do.”
Even people who do not know what Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr were arguing about have heard of this famous exchange. Einstein could never quite reconcile himself to Quantum Mechanics as articulated by Bohr, even though (ironically) it was his work that led to it.
Till the end of their days, Einstein and Bohr argued about Nature’s Laws- neither willing to give in to the other. Yet, they continued to have the highest regard for each other.

Why do we find it so difficult to separate issues from personalities?
 Today's google doodle commemorates what would have been the 127th birthday of Niels Bohr. 


“An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes 
that can be made in a very narrow field.”
- Niels Bohr
October 7, 1885- November 18, 1962
______
This is the fourth year that I am going to be a part of NaBloWriM. The Plan is to elaborate (in 100 words) on a quote that touched my heart- let's see how far this takes me. If I can tie it in with the writing prompt, so much the better!

4 comments:

Chuck said...

I think you have to have something to tie the issues to to make them more tangible. Usually that becomes a person(ality).

Danette said...

There's big difference between two people who fundamentally care about the same profession and two people who say disagree on religion. religion is a personal thing and actually necessitates alienation-- even while they promote unity- or say they do.

I disagree with my boss about some things at work but I really like him and respect him. But I also know that fundamentally he cares about serving the public as much as I do, we just do it differently. CHeers!

Sueann said...

Loved the quote....something to remember!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Anonymous said...

Natasha - A very well-taken point as ever. I think we really do move closer to the truth when we refine our ideas through debate, but not when it gets personal. I know a teacher who tells her students, 'In this class we criticise ideas, not people.' I like that view.

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