"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 lies nearest at hand [i.e. is most obvious]; 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/Cosmological_constant
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Cosmological constant
22 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Cosmological constant →
Related Quotes
"... The way in which string theory addresses the cosmological constant problem can be summarized as follows: • Fundam…"
"[Einstein's cosmological constant] is a name without any meaning. ...We have, in fact, not the slightest inkling of w…"
"Most constants are adjusted with a deviation of one percent, which means that if the value differs by one percent eve…"
"Much later, when I was discussing cosmological problems with Einstein, he remarked that the introduction of the cosmo…"
"After putting the finishing touches on general relativity in 1915, Einstein applied his new equations for gravity to …"
"The miracle of physics that I'm talking about here is something that was actually known since the time of Einstein's …"
"In 1917 de Sitter showed that Einstein's field equations could be solved by a model that was completely empty apart f…"
"Even today, our picture of a world woven together by a gravitational force, and electromagnetic force, a strong force…"
"In Einstein's scheme there was no end, no outside. Shoot an arrow or a light beam infinitely far in any direction and…"
"It's a term that Einstein recognized as allowed by his theory — he threw it in and then, in disgust, threw it out aga…"