Science probes; it does not prove. Gregory Bateson More Quotes by Gregory Bateson More Quotes From Gregory Bateson Still more astonishing is that world of rigorous fantasy which we call mathematics. Gregory Bateson fantasy math world Surrender to alcohol intoxication provides a partial and subjective shortcut to a more correct state of mind. Gregory Bateson shortcuts alcohol mind There is a strong tendency in explanatory prose to invoke quantities of tension, energy, and whatnot to explain the genesis of pattern. I believe that all such explanations are inappropriate or wrong. Gregory Bateson strong energy believe Numbers are the product of counting. Quantities are the product of measurement. This means that numbers can conceivably be accurate because there is a discontinuity between each integer and the next. Gregory Bateson next numbers mean No organism can afford to be conscious of matters with which it could deal at unconscious levels. Gregory Bateson levels conscious matter Synaptic summation is the technical term used in neurophysiology for those instances in which some neuron C is fired only by a combination of neurons A and B. Gregory Bateson neurons combination used The wise legislator will only rarely initiate a new rule of behaviour; more usually he will confine himself to affirming in law what has already become the custom of the people. Gregory Bateson wise law people If we pursue this matter further, we shall be told that the stable object is unchanging under the impact or stress of some particular external or internal variable or, perhaps, that it resists the passage of time. Gregory Bateson impact stress matter time