Why is quantum theory hard to understand?

There are two main reasons why quantum theory is hard for anyone to explain and understand.

One is that it includes a lot of complicated mathematics, so if you don't understand the mathematics you're stuck.

The other is that quantum theory conflicts with our everyday experience. People can usually understand a new idea through analogy- by likening it to something they already know. Much of quantum theory is unlike anything you already know, so understanding it by analogy isn't an option.

There's a third reason that makes it extra difficult for some people. Quantum theory is a branch of physics, and you need to be familiar with some of the ideas of physics, especially those to do with the tiny particles that make up the universe. In this blog we'll start completely from scratch, so even if you know nothing about physics you should be able to keep up.

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