Georges Lemaître
He proposed the theory of the expanding universe and the 'primeval atom' hypothesis, later known as the Big Bang.
Most quoted
"If the world has begun with a single quantum, the notions of space and time would not have any meaning at the beginning; they would only begin to have a sensible meaning when the original quantum had been divided into a sufficient number of quanta. If this suggestion is correct, the beginning of the world happened a little before the beginning of space and time."
— from Nature, 'The Beginning of the World from the Point of View of Quantum Theory', 1931
"If the world has begun with a single quantum, the notions of space and time would not have any meaning at the beginning; they would only begin to have a sensible meaning when the original quantum had been divided into a sufficient number of quanta. If this is so, the beginning of the world happened a little before the beginning of space and time."
— from Nature, 1931
"If the world has begun with a single quantum, the notions of space and time would not have any meaning at the beginning; they would only begin to have a meaning when the original quantum had been divided into a sufficient number of quanta. If this is so, the beginning of the world happened a little before the beginning of space and time."
— from Nature, 'The Beginning of the World from the Point of View of Quantum Theory', 1931
All quotes by Georges Lemaître (411)
Some scientists are so determined to avoid a beginning that they invent all sorts of convoluted scenarios. Simplicity, I find, is often the best path.
The universe began with a bang, not a whimper. A rather dramatic entrance, wouldn't you say?
I am a scientist who happens to be a priest. Not a priest who dabbles in science. There's a difference, you see.
The universe is a vast and wondrous place, full of surprises. And the biggest surprise, for some, is that it had a start.
To deny the expansion of the universe is like denying that a balloon gets bigger when you blow into it. A rather elementary observation, wouldn't you agree?
My work is not about proving God, but about showing that science and faith can coexist, even in the most profound questions.
The universe is a book, and we are slowly learning to read its pages. Some chapters, however, remain unwritten.
It seems some scientists are more comfortable with an infinite past than a finite one. Perhaps it's less daunting.
The universe is expanding, and so is the scope of human curiosity. A rather fortunate coincidence, wouldn't you say?
My theory simply provides a framework for understanding the universe's origin. The rest, as they say, is up to interpretation.
The universe is a grand puzzle, and each scientific discovery is a piece. Some pieces, however, are more challenging to place than others.
To believe in an eternal universe is to believe in a perpetual motion machine. A rather unscientific notion, wouldn't you agree?
I am often asked if I believe in God. I simply say, 'I am a priest.' What more is there to say?
The universe is expanding, and so is the number of theories trying to explain it. A rather crowded field, wouldn't you say?
My theory simply states that the universe had a beginning. The implications of that beginning are for others to ponder.
The universe is a story unfolding, and we are privileged to witness some of its earliest chapters. The ending, however, remains a mystery.
The universe is an expanding sphere of light and matter, and in this expansion, there is a profound beauty and a deep mystery.
Science and religion are two windows through which we look at the same reality. They are not in conflict, but rather complement each other.
The Big Bang theory is a scientific explanation for the origin of the universe, but it does not preclude a divine creator. In fact, for me, it strengthens the case for one.
To understand the universe is to understand a part of God's creation. It is a journey of discovery that brings us closer to the divine.
Contemporaries of Georges Lemaître
Other Cosmologys born within 50 years of Georges Lemaître (1894–1966).