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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.” quote by Nicolaas Bloembergen
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“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.”

Nicolaas Bloembergen

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.

Key Takeaway

Perseverance in adversity.

Themes

war science survival

Mood

determined reflective

Type

historical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • wartime hiding
  • academic dedication
  • resource scarcity

Key Concepts

quantum theory resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivated his study?
  • How did conditions shape his insights?
A Different Perspective

Studying complex topics under duress can impair comprehension.

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