The problem with pretending quantum mechanics makes sense || Leonard Susskind

Описание: Quantum mechanics is famously strange. From particles being in two places at once to spooky action at a distance, its predictions routinely defy our everyday intuition. Yet, despite—or perhaps because of—its counterintuitive nature, many discussions around quantum physics are framed as if it “makes sense” in a classical way. This tendency to simplify or gloss over the theory’s deeper mysteries can be misleading, giving students, enthusiasts, and even some scientists a false sense of understanding. Pretending quantum mechanics is straightforward risks masking its philosophical and conceptual challenges, which are essential to truly grasping its implications.

One core problem is the reliance on mental shortcuts and analogies that can only go so far. For example, popular depictions of electrons “orbiting” like tiny planets or particles “teleporting” across space often distort the reality of the mathematics. While such analogies help in teaching or communicating the subject, they can create a cognitive trap: the belief that we fully “understand” quantum mechanics in the same way we understand classical mechanics. In truth, the formalism of quantum theory is robust and predictive, but its underlying meaning—the question of what is actually happening—remains unsettled.

Moreover, pretending quantum mechanics makes intuitive sense can stifle curiosity and critical thinking. When students or the public are told that the theory “just works” or “we don’t need to worry about interpretation,” they may stop asking deeper questions. This approach can inadvertently turn quantum mechanics into a collection of rules to memorize rather than a window into the strange and subtle structure of reality. Embracing the mystery, rather than avoiding it, encourages more thoughtful engagement and highlights why the theory has fascinated physicists for over a century.

Ultimately, the real challenge of quantum mechanics is not in its calculations but in confronting the limits of human intuition. Accepting that we may never fully reconcile the theory with common-sense reasoning opens the door to genuine wonder and exploration. Pretending it makes sense can be comforting, but it risks missing the profound insight that reality at its most fundamental level may simply not behave in ways we naturally expect. By embracing the strangeness, we not only honor the theory’s predictive power but also its invitation to rethink our assumptions about the universe.