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)
A witty remark: Why did the physicist break up? Too much friction!
The Lorentz force guides the dance of charged particles.
Reflection on meaning: Our purpose is to uncover nature's hidden truths.
Collaborate with others; isolation breeds error.
Quantum ideas intrigue, but classical theory endures.
Art and science both seek harmony in chaos.
The path to discovery is paved with failures.
Electrodynamics unifies electricity and magnetism.
In politics of science, truth must prevail over dogma.
Laughter is the best remedy for a stalled equation.
The soul of science is curiosity.
My last words: Continue the quest for knowledge.
Time dilation fascinates, but verify with clocks.
Life's meaning lies in contribution to human progress.
Aphorism: Measure twice, theorize once.
From 'The Theory of Electrons': The moving electron contracts.
To young physicists: Embrace the unknown boldly.
Humor: Gravity is the ultimate downer!
Philosophy of science: Hypotheses non fingo, but test them.
In letters to Einstein: Your work revolutionizes our understanding.
Contemporaries of Hendrik Lorentz
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Hendrik Lorentz (1853–1928).