Heinrich Hertz

Physics German 1857 – 1894 500 quotes

First to prove existence of electromagnetic waves

Quotes by Heinrich Hertz

Witty: 'My waves outrun the wind.'

Remark 1888

Speech: 'Electrodynamics is the key to nature.'

Excerpt 1891

Key: 'The experimentum crucis is performed.'

Electric Waves 1887

Wisdom: 'Balance theory with verification.'

Note 1886

Joke: 'Ether is the invisible audience.'

Humor 1889

Personal: 'Gratitude for life's gifts.'

Journal 1892

Observation: 'Frequency determines color in light waves.'

Lecture 1893

Aphorism: 'Innovation from iteration.'

Saying 1885

Comeback: 'Let the oscilloscope decide.'

Witty 1888

Excerpt: 'Propagation with velocity c.'

Paper 1890

Reflection: 'Peace in the pursuit of knowledge.'

Letter 1891

Interview: 'Waves revolutionize communication.'

Quote 1892

Humor: 'My lab's buzz is electric.'

Joke 1887

Speech: 'The field equations govern all.'

Excerpt 1889

Wisdom: 'Humility before the unknown.'

Reflection 1893

Letter: 'Challenges build character.'

Correspondence 1886

Observation: 'No reflection without impedance mismatch.'

Experiment 1888

Aphorism: 'Light as electromagnetic wave.'

Final Saying 1894

The most important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.

Attributed, though exact source is debated and often linked to Einstein, it reflects a spirit of scientific inquiry Hertz embodied.

I do not think that the wireless waves I have discovered will have any practical application.

Report to the Berlin Academy of Sciences 1889