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 scientific method is a powerful tool, but it is not infallible.
The universe is a grand puzzle, and scientists are the puzzle-solvers.
The pursuit of truth requires courage and an open mind.
The greatest discoveries often come from unexpected places.
The scientific imagination is just as important as rigorous experimentation.
The laws of physics are universal, applying throughout the cosmos.
The electron is the fundamental building block of all matter.
The Lorentz transformation is a cornerstone of modern physics.
The theory of electrons has opened up new avenues of research in physics.
The pursuit of knowledge is a never-ending adventure.
Science is a testament to the power of human reason.
The theory of electrons must be able to account for all the phenomena of radiation.
In the domain of physics, we are continually reminded of the fact that the laws of nature are not inviolable.
The electron is the unit of electricity.
Light waves behave as if they were emitted from a moving source.
The Lorentz transformation is the key to understanding relativity.
Nature's laws are written in the language of mathematics.
I have always regarded the work of Einstein as a masterpiece of thought.
The ether is a hypothetical medium, but indispensable for our theories.
Physics is the search for the simplest explanation of the most complex phenomena.
Contemporaries of Hendrik Lorentz
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Hendrik Lorentz (1853–1928).