Heinrich Hertz

Physics German 1857 – 1894 500 quotes

First to prove existence of electromagnetic waves

Quotes by Heinrich Hertz

The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.

Unknown

The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.

Unknown

The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.

Unknown

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.

Unknown

I do not think that the wireless telegraphy will ever be of any use to humanity.

Attributed, though likely apocryphal or taken out of context. He was focused on fundamental physics, not applications.

The most important result of my work is that it proves the existence of electromagnetic waves.

On the Relations Between Light and Electricity 1888

It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that these waves are identical with light waves in their essential properties.

On the Relations Between Light and Electricity 1888

I have not found the slightest trace of any action which could be ascribed to a direct influence of the electric current on the ether.

Electric Waves 1890

The question whether electric and magnetic forces are actions at a distance or are propagated through an intervening medium is one of the most fundamental problems of physics.

Electric Waves 1890

The experiments described in the following pages were undertaken with the object of testing the fundamental assumptions of Maxwell's theory.

Electric Waves 1890

We have thus before us a new kind of wave motion, which is propagated through space with the velocity of light.

On the Relations Between Light and Electricity 1888

The most striking result of our experiments is the complete agreement of the observed phenomena with the predictions of Maxwell's theory.

On the Relations Between Light and Electricity 1888

The ether is not a substance, but a property of space.

Attributed, reflecting his later views on the ether.

I am not concerned with the practical applications of my discoveries. I am only interested in the fundamental laws of nature.

Attributed, reflecting his focus on pure science.

The question of the nature of electricity is still an open one.

General sentiment from his writings.

The phenomena of electric discharge are still very imperfectly understood.

General sentiment from his writings.

The velocity of propagation of electric induction is finite.

On the Relations Between Light and Electricity 1888

We must assume that the electric and magnetic forces are propagated in time, and not instantaneously.

On the Relations Between Light and Electricity 1888

The experiments show that the electric and magnetic forces are not independent of each other, but are intimately connected.

On the Relations Between Light and Electricity 1888

The existence of electromagnetic waves is now an experimentally established fact.

On the Relations Between Light and Electricity 1888