General relativity Quote by Lee Smolin
““The subject of this chapter is string theory, and I begin it with these reflections for two reasons. First, because the main thing that is wrong with string theory, as presently formulated, is that it does not respect the fundamental lesson of general relativity that spacetime is nothing but an evolving system of relationships. Using the terminology I introduced in earlier chapters, string theory is background dependent, while general relativity is background independent. At the same time, string theory is unlikely to be in its final form. Even if, as is quite possible, string theory is ultimately reformulated in a background independent form, history may record that Einstein's view of Newton applies also to the string theorists: when it was necessary to ignore fundamental principle in order to make progress, they had the courage and the judgment to do so.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Trouble with Physics by Lee Smolin, 2006
String theory currently treats spacetime as a fixed backdrop, contrary to relativity’s view that spacetime is dynamic and relational; future theories may need to adopt background independence.
In simple terms: String theory assumes a fixed spacetime, but relativity says spacetime changes with matter and energy.
Key Takeaway
Seek theories that let spacetime evolve with the system.
Themes
physics
theory
relativity
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- academic curricula
- theoretical development
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
background dependence
background independence
scientific progress
Questions to Reflect On
- How might background independence change predictions?
- What challenges arise when reformulating theories?
A Different Perspective
Current models may be incomplete and require paradigm shifts.
![“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)
