Hendrik Lorentz
Developed the Lorentz transformations, which form the basis of Einstein's special relativity.
Most quoted
"One cannot escape the feeling that these mathematical formulae have an independent existence and an intelligence of their own, that they are wiser than we are, wiser even than their discoverers, that we get more out of them than was originally put into them."
— from Attributed remark
"It is not impossible that in the future we may have theories which are more general than those we now possess, and which will reduce our present theories to special cases, just as the theory of relativity has reduced the older mechanics to a special case."
— from Lectures on Theoretical Physics, 1920
"The difficulties which we encounter in the theory of electrons are largely due to the fact that we are dealing with phenomena which are on the borderland between the domain of ordinary experience and that of the infinitely small."
— from The Theory of Electrons, 1909
All quotes by Hendrik Lorentz (409)
The most important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them.
The electron is not an indivisible particle, but a system of electric charges.
The theory of electrons has led to a new conception of the nature of matter and electricity.
It is not the business of the physicist to create systems, but to discover the laws of nature.
The ether is not a substance, but a state of space.
The true value of a scientific theory lies in its power to predict new phenomena.
The laws of nature are not arbitrary, but are determined by the properties of matter and energy.
The progress of science depends on the free exchange of ideas and the open discussion of results.
The greatest discoveries in science are often made by those who are willing to challenge established beliefs.
The beauty of science lies in its ability to reveal the underlying order and harmony of the universe.
The task of science is to understand the world, not to change it.
The scientific method is the most reliable way to acquire knowledge about the natural world.
The pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey, but it is a journey that is full of rewards.
The human mind is capable of understanding the most complex phenomena, but it must be trained to do so.
Education is the key to progress, both for individuals and for society as a whole.
The future of humanity depends on our ability to solve the great challenges facing us, and science will play a crucial role in that.
The universe is a vast and mysterious place, and there is still much that we do not understand.
The search for truth is a noble endeavor, and it is one that should be pursued with passion and dedication.
The greatest joy in life is to discover something new, to shed light on a previously unknown aspect of the world.
Humility is an essential quality for any scientist, for it reminds us that our knowledge is always incomplete.
Contemporaries of Hendrik Lorentz
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Hendrik Lorentz (1853–1928).