MB
Max Born
42quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Max Born was born as Maximilian Ernst Wilhelm Felix Horn on December 11, 1882.
Birth and Death Dates
December 11, 1882 – January 5, 1970
Nationality and Profession(s)
Born was a German physicist and mathematician. He is best known for his work in the fields of quantum mechanics and relativity.
Early Life and Background
Max Born was born in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland) to Jewish parents. His father, Gustav Born, was a professor of anatomy at the University of Breslau. Max's early life was marked by intellectual curiosity and a love for learning. He attended the Gymnasium in Breslau before going on to study physics at the University of Göttingen.
Major Accomplishments
Born made significant contributions to the development of quantum mechanics, particularly with his work on matrix mechanics. His most notable achievement was the introduction of the concept of wave functions, which revolutionized our understanding of particle behavior. He also worked on the theory of relativity and its applications in physics.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his theoretical contributions, Born was an accomplished mathematician and physicist. He made significant contributions to the development of statistical mechanics and the theory of Brownian motion. His work in these areas helped lay the foundation for modern quantum mechanics. Born was also a dedicated teacher and mentor, inspiring generations of physicists with his passion for learning.
Impact and Legacy
Born's influence on modern physics cannot be overstated. His work on wave functions laid the groundwork for the development of quantum field theory and its applications in particle physics. The concept of wave functions has become a cornerstone of modern quantum mechanics, enabling us to understand and predict the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Max Born's legacy extends far beyond his scientific contributions. He was an advocate for peace and human rights, and in 1953 he spoke out against nuclear testing at a conference in Amsterdam. His commitment to social justice and his passion for education have made him a respected figure in the world of science and beyond.
Born's quotes on science, philosophy, and humanity are widely quoted due to their wisdom, insight, and relevance to contemporary issues. His words continue to inspire scientists, philosophers, and thinkers from around the world, reminding us that science should be used for the betterment of society and human well-being.
Throughout his life, Born demonstrated a deep commitment to learning, social justice, and humanity. His legacy serves as a reminder that science can be a powerful tool for creating positive change in the world.
Quotes by Max Born

"
The belief that there is only one truth, and that oneself is in possession of it, is the root of all evil in the world.
MB

"
I believe there is no philosophical high-road in science, with epistemological signposts. No, we are in a jungle and find our way by trial and error, building our road behind us as we proceed. We do not find signposts at crossroads, but our own scouts erect them, to help the rest.
MB

"
Einstein would be one of the greatest theoretical physicists of all time even if he had not written a single line on relativity.
MB

"
There are two objectionable types of believers: those who believe the far-fetched, and those who believe that ‘belief’ must be discarded and replaced by ‘the scientific method’. Between these two extremes there is enough scope for believing the reasonable and reasoning on sound beliefs.
MB

"
There are two objectionable types of believers: those who believe the incredible and those who believe that ‘belief’ must be discarded and replaced by ’the scientific method.
MB

"
My advice to those who which to learn the art of scientific prophesy is not to rely on abstract reason, but to decipher the secret language of Nature from Nature’s documents: the facts of experience.
MB

"
I believe there is no philosophical high-road in science, with epistemological signposts. No, we are in a jungle and find our way by trial and error, building our road behind us as we proceed.
MB

"
Those who say that the study of science makes a man an atheist, must be rather silly people.
MB

"
I have tried to read philosophers of all ages and have found many illuminating ideas but no steady progress toward deeper knowledge and understanding. Science, however, gives me the feeling of steady progress: I am convinced that theoretical physics is actual philosophy. It has revolutionized fundamental concepts, e.g., about space and time (relativity), about causality (quantum theory), and about substance and matter (atomistics), and it has taught us new methods of thinking (complementarity) which are applicable far beyond physics.
MB
Showing 1 to 10 of 42 results
