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)
The primeval atom hypothesis is, in essence, a scientific theory, and it should be judged on its scientific merits, not on its theological implications.
There is no conflict between religion and science. Science tries to find out how the universe works, and religion tries to find out why it works.
The universe is expanding, and therefore it must have had a beginning.
The initial state of the universe was a very dense and hot state, a 'primeval atom'.
The Big Bang theory is not a creation myth, but a scientific description of the origin of the universe.
The idea of a beginning of the world is not new, but the scientific evidence for it is.
The universe is not eternal, but had a definite beginning.
The expansion of the universe implies a finite age for the universe.
The redshift of distant galaxies is due to the expansion of space itself, not to the motion of galaxies through space.
The universe is not infinite in space or time.
The primeval atom was a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature.
The universe is a grand experiment, and we are privileged to observe it.
The scientific explanation of the universe does not diminish its wonder, but enhances it.
The universe is not a clockwork mechanism, but a dynamic and evolving system.
The universe is not a static background for events, but an active participant in them.
The universe is not a closed system, but an open and expanding one.
The universe is not a random collection of matter, but a structured and ordered system.
The universe is not a meaningless void, but a place of profound meaning and purpose.
The universe is not a cold and indifferent place, but a place of warmth and life.
The universe is not a simple system, but a complex and intricate one.
Contemporaries of Georges Lemaître
Other Cosmologys born within 50 years of Georges Lemaître (1894–1966).