Book Quote by Nicolaas Bloembergen
“After the German occupation of Holland in May 1940, the last two dark years of the war I spent hiding indoors from the Nazis, eating tulip bulbs to fill the stomach and reading Kramers' book "Quantum Theorie des Elektrons und der Strahlung" by the light of a storm lamp.”
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Personal account of wartime hiding and study of quantum theory
During WWII, the author survived by hiding, subsisting on tulip bulbs, and studying quantum physics by lamplight.
In simple terms: He endured hardship while pursuing scientific knowledge.
Perseverance in adversity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- wartime hiding
- academic dedication
- resource scarcity
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivated his study?
- How did conditions shape his insights?
Studying complex topics under duress can impair comprehension.