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Qmechanic
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Why is the second order perturbative correction to the ground state energy always down?

What is the physical/deeper reason for the second order shift of the ground state energy in time independent perturbation theory to be always down?

I know that it follows from the formula quite straightforwardly, but I could not find a deeper reason for it even if if I took up examples like the linear Stark effect.

Would you please tell me why?

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