Christian Huygens
Proposed the wave theory of light and made significant contributions to mechanics and horology.
Most quoted
"It is a pleasure to stand upon the shore, and to see ships tossed upon the sea; a pleasure to stand in the window of a castle, and to see a battle and the adventures thereof: but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth..."
— from Attributed
"One finds in this subject a kind of demonstration which does not carry with it so high a degree of certainty as that of geometry; and which differs distinctly from the method employed by geometers."
— from Treatise on Light, 1690
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."
— from Treatise on Light, 1690
All quotes by Christian Huygens (392)
The universe is a machine, and its laws are mathematical.
The more we study nature, the more we are filled with awe.
The true scientist is one who is humble before the vastness of the universe.
The pursuit of knowledge is a journey, not a destination.
The most profound truths are often the simplest.
The universe is full of wonders, if only we have eyes to see them.
The true measure of a man is not what he has, but what he does.
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
I have often wondered that no one has yet thought of a method for determining the longitude at sea by means of a clock.
The true cause of the regular motion of the pendulum is the gravity of the Earth.
I have found that the rings of Saturn are not attached to the planet, but are separated from it.
It is a great pleasure to discover something new, and to be the first to see it.
I am working on a book about the pendulum clock, which I hope will be useful to many.
The nature of light is still a great mystery to me.
I have always been fascinated by the stars and planets, and I hope to learn more about them.
The more I learn, the more I realize how much I do not know.
I believe that the universe is governed by mathematical laws, and that we can discover them through observation and reason.
I am very happy with my new telescope, which allows me to see things I have never seen before.
The study of nature is a never-ending source of wonder and delight.
I am convinced that there are other worlds out there, inhabited by intelligent beings.
Contemporaries of Christian Huygens
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Christian Huygens (1629–1695).