Thus, the more precisely the position is determined, the less precisely the momentum is known, and conversely.
Werner HeisenbergNatural science, does not simply describe and explain nature; it is part of the interplay between nature and ourselves
Werner HeisenbergThe incomplete knowledge of a system must be an essential part of every formulation in quantum theory. Quantum theoretical laws must be of a statistical kind. To give an example: we know that the radium atom emits alpha-radiation. Quantum theory can give us an indication of the probability that the alpha-particle will leave the nucleus in unit time, but it cannot predict at what precise point in time the emission will occur, for this is uncertain in principle.
Werner Heisenberg