General relativity Quote by Anonymous
![“Asked in 1919 whether it was true that only three people in the world understood the theory of general relativity, [Eddington] allegedly replied: "Who's the third?"” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/845/anonymous-1_general-relativity_asked-in-1919-whether-it-was-true-that-o_843832.jpg)
“Asked in 1919 whether it was true that only three people in the world understood the theory of general relativity, [Eddington] allegedly replied: "Who's the third?"”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture, 1919, Arthur Eddington
The quote humorously suggests that the theory of general relativity was understood by only a few, highlighting its complexity and exclusivity.
In simple terms: Only a few grasped relativity, making it seem exclusive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that expertise can be demystified through learning.
Themes
science
humor
exclusivity
Mood
lighthearted
reflective
Type
educational
humorous
When to use this quote
- academic seminars
- popular science talks
- education outreach
- media interviews
Key Concepts
general relativity
expertise
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we make complex science more accessible?
- What barriers prevent broader understanding?
A Different Perspective
The joke may downplay the collaborative nature of scientific discovery.
![“[Max Planck] was one of the finest people I have ever known... but he really didn't understand physics, [because] during the eclipse of 1919 he stayed up all night to see if it would confirm the bending of light by the gravitational field. If he had really understood [general relativity], he would…” quote by Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2d8/albert-einstein-33_all-night_max-planck-was-one-of-the-finest-people_2647781.jpg)
![“On one occasion when [William] Smart found him engrossed with his fundamental theory, he asked Eddington how many people he thought would understand what he was writing-after a pause came the reply, 'Perhaps seven.'” quote by Arthur Eddington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1f1/arthur-eddington-8366_found_on-one-occasion-when-william-smart-found_2833165.jpg)
![“Einstein, my upset stomach hates your theory [of General Relativity]—it almost hates you yourself! How am I to' provide for my students? What am I to answer to the philosophers?!!” quote by Paul Ehrenfest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8bf/paul-ehrenfest-52330_answers_einstein-my-upset-stomach-hates-your-the_467759.jpg)
