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 legacy of scientific discovery is built upon the contributions of countless individuals over many generations.
The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor, enriching both the individual and society as a whole.
The electron theory has helped to bridge the gap between macroscopic and microscopic physics.
The profound implications of Einstein's theory of relativity continue to challenge and inspire physicists.
The scientific endeavor is a testament to the power of human intellect and imagination.
The understanding of light as an electromagnetic wave was a monumental achievement in physics.
The progress of science is often marked by periods of revolutionary change, followed by consolidation and refinement.
The scientific community thrives on open discussion and critical evaluation of ideas.
It is not the business of the physicist to make the world more complicated, but to simplify it.
The ether, if it exists, is a most accommodating substance, always arranging itself to suit our experiments.
One cannot be a physicist without being a bit of a philosopher.
The greatest discovery of all is that the universe is not as simple as we thought.
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.
Nature is a good teacher, but a very strict one.
The true scientist is not afraid to admit when he is wrong.
Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.
Physics is like a game of chess, but with nature as your opponent.
A good theory is like a good joke: it's simple, elegant, and makes you think.
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Contemporaries of Hendrik Lorentz
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Hendrik Lorentz (1853–1928).