Full Idea
Energy is a substance, since its total amount does not change. ...Energy can be changed into motion, into heat, into light and into tension. Energy may be called the fundamental cause for all change in the world.
Gist of Idea
Energy is an unchanging substance, having many forms, and causing all change
Source
Werner Heisenberg (Physics and Philosophy [1958], 04)
Book Reference
Heisenberg,Werner: 'Physics and Philosophy' [Penguin 1989], p.51
A Reaction
Grandiose stuff. I remain unconvinced that Heisenberg (clever fellow, I'm told) has any idea of what he is talking about.
Related Idea
Idea 15265 'Energy' is a quasi-substance invented as the bearer of change during interactions [Harré/Madden]