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 quest for fundamental laws is what drives scientific inquiry.
My early work on the theory of electrons laid the groundwork for much of modern physics.
The intellectual exchange with my colleagues has been invaluable.
I believe in the power of education to enlighten and empower individuals.
The electron theory has led to a deeper insight into the nature of light and electricity, and has shown how intimately these two phenomena are connected.
It is a great satisfaction to me to see that the work to which I have devoted my life has found such a wide and fruitful application.
The theory of electrons has been developed in such a way that it embraces a great number of phenomena, and has led to a deeper understanding of the constitution of matter.
The ether, though it has lost its mechanical properties, still remains the seat of electromagnetic phenomena.
The principle of relativity, as formulated by Einstein, is a generalization of the principle of relativity of classical mechanics.
The progress of science depends on the cooperation of many minds, each contributing its share to the common edifice.
It is the duty of every scientist to make his knowledge accessible to the public, and to explain the significance of his discoveries.
The beauty of science lies in its ability to reveal the hidden order of the universe.
The electron theory has provided a solid foundation for understanding the interaction between matter and radiation.
The development of physics has been a continuous process of refinement and generalization, leading to ever deeper insights into the fundamental laws of nature.
The task of the physicist is to unravel the mysteries of the universe, and to express them in the language of mathematics.
The pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey, full of challenges and rewards.
The success of a scientific theory is measured by its ability to explain existing phenomena and to predict new ones.
The scientific method is a powerful tool for discovering the truth about the natural world.
The future of physics holds many exciting possibilities, and I am confident that new discoveries will continue to enrich our understanding of the universe.
It is with a sense of gratitude and humility that I look back on my career, and on the many colleagues and students who have shared this journey with me.
Contemporaries of Hendrik Lorentz
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Hendrik Lorentz (1853–1928).