But some numbers, called dimensionless numbers, have the same numerical value no matter what units of measurement are chosen. Probably the most famous of these is the "fine-structure constant," .... Physicists love this number not just because it is dimensionless, but also because it is a combination of three fundamental constants of nature.

— John Archibald Wheeler

Individual events. Events beyond law. Events so numerous and so uncoordinated that, flaunting their freedom from formula, they yet fabricate firm form.

— John Archibald Wheeler

Physicists love this number not just because it is dimensionless, but also because it is a combination of three fundamental constants of nature. Why do these constants come together to make the particular number 1/137.036 and not some other number?

— John Archibald Wheeler

The universe gives birth to consciousness, and consciousness gives meaning to the universe.

— John Archibald Wheeler

Time is nature's way of keeping everything from happening at once.

— John Archibald Wheeler

Time is what prevents everything from happening at once.

— John Archibald Wheeler

We live on an island surrounded by a sea of ignorance. As our island of knowledge grows, so does the shore of our ignorance.

— John Archibald Wheeler