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 only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.
If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
The more I study physics, the more I am drawn to philosophy.
It is a good thing to be curious, but a bad thing to be too curious.
Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.
The grand aim of all science is to cover the greatest number of empirical facts by logical deduction from the smallest number of hypotheses or axioms.
The ether is the seat of all electromagnetic phenomena, and it is the medium through which light propagates. It is the most fundamental concept in our understanding of the universe.
The human mind, in its quest for knowledge, seeks to understand the underlying principles that govern the universe. This pursuit is a testament to our innate curiosity and our desire to find meaning.
Science is not merely a collection of facts, but a way of thinking, a method of inquiry that allows us to explore the mysteries of existence.
The beauty of a scientific theory lies in its simplicity and its ability to explain a wide range of phenomena with a few fundamental principles.
Consciousness remains one of the greatest enigmas. While we can study its manifestations, its ultimate nature eludes our grasp, hinting at a deeper reality.
The universe is a vast and intricate tapestry, woven with threads of energy and matter, governed by laws that we are only beginning to comprehend.
In the face of the infinite, our individual lives may seem fleeting, yet each moment holds the potential for profound experience and understanding.
The pursuit of truth is a journey, not a destination. Each discovery opens new avenues of inquiry, revealing the boundless complexity of the cosmos.
The human spirit, in its capacity for wonder and awe, finds solace and inspiration in the grandeur of the natural world.
Death, while an inevitable part of life, also serves as a reminder of the preciousness of our time and the importance of living fully.
The interconnectedness of all things, from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy, suggests a fundamental unity underlying the diversity of existence.
Our understanding of the universe is constantly evolving, and what we consider truth today may be refined or even overturned tomorrow. This dynamic nature is the essence of scientific progress.
The beauty of mathematics lies in its ability to describe the intricate patterns and relationships that govern the physical world, revealing a hidden order.
Contemporaries of Hendrik Lorentz
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Hendrik Lorentz (1853–1928).