MAX PLANCK X A X “I regard consciousness as primary. I regard matter as derivative of consciousness

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Ah, yes — that quote from Max Planck is a fascinating insight into his philosophical perspective, which veers into metaphysics rather than strict physics. He’s essentially suggesting a primacy of consciousness over matter, meaning that the physical world is not the ultimate foundation of reality; instead, consciousness—or something akin to mind—underlies and shapes what we perceive as matter.

This contrasts sharply with the classical materialist view in physics, where matter exists independently and consciousness emerges from it. Planck, despite being a physicist, was deeply influenced by idealism and the notion that observer and observed are intertwined—a view echoed in some interpretations of quantum mechanics, where measurement by an observer affects outcomes.

In simpler terms: for Planck, consciousness is the “root,” and matter is the “branch.” He didn’t mean this in a mystical sense necessarily, but as a recognition that the universe as we know it is inseparable from the act of observation and awareness.

If you want, I can explain how this idea connects to quantum theory itself, which is what made Planck’s perspective so intriguing for both physicists and philosophers. Do you want me to?