"The theoretical view of the actual universe, if it is in correspondence to our reasoning, is the following. The curvature of space is variable in time and place, according to the distribution of matter, but we may roughly approximate it by means of a spherical space. ...this view is logically consistent, and from the standpoint of the general theory of relativity [is most obvious] lies nearest at hand; whether, from the standpoint of present astronomical knowledge, it is tenable, will not be discussed here. In order to arrive at this consistent view, we admittedly had to introduce an extension of the field equations of gravitation, which is not justified by our actual knowledge of gravitation. It is to be emphasized, however, that a positive curvature of space is given by our results, even if the supplementary term [] is not introduced. The term is necessary only for the purpose of making possible a quasi-static distribution of matter, as required by the fact of the small velocity of the stars."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Albert Einstein, "Cosmological Considerations in the General Theory of Relativity," Königlich Preußische Akademie der Wissenschaften (1917) 142-152, as quoted in The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein Vol. 6: The Berlin Years: Writings, 1914-1917 p. 431-432
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/General_relativity
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
General relativity
30 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by General relativity →
Related Quotes
"Einstein's general theory of relativity... was needed not because of conspicuous failures of Newton's theory... but b…"
"In the early 1960s general relativity experienced a sudden revival in connection with astrophysical discoveries far r…"
"The theoretical developments involving general relativity in the period prior to the renaissance made use of central …"
"If I were giving this lecture fifty years from now, the word "gravitation" would be as old-fashioned as the word "phl…"
"Differential geometry originally sneaked into theoretical physics through Einstein's theory of general relativity."
"Up to the early 1950s, general relativity was a little-frequented subject, amongst physicists—a theory that had to be…"
"There was difficulty reconciling the Newtonian theory of gravitation with its instantaneous propagation of forces wit…"
"General relativity was considered by Einstein as his most important discovery... a new theory of gravitation bringing…"
"The great triumph of the theory of relativity lies in its absorbing the universal force of gravitation into one geome…"
"Although Einstein's general theory of relativity predicts that there can exist... a singularity in our past, it provi…"