Georg C. Lichtenberg

Date of Birth: July 1, 1742

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 24, 1799

Biography

Georg Christoph Lichtenberg was a prominent German scientist, mathematician, and satirist born on July 1, 1742, in Ober-Ramstadt, Hesse-Darmstadt. He is best known for his work in experimental physics and for his witty aphorisms and satirical writings. Lichtenberg studied at the University of Göttingen, where he later became a professor of experimental physics. His work in the field of electricity led to the discovery of the Lichtenberg figures, tree-like patterns created by electrical discharges on the surface of insulators. Despite his physical disabilities resulting from a spinal deformity that stunted his growth, Lichtenberg remained intellectually active and contributed significantly to various scientific fields. He was elected to the Royal Society of London in 1793. Lichtenberg was also a prolific writer, and his notebooks, known as the “Waste Books,” contained a mixture of observations, aphorisms, and scientific notes that have been highly influential and are still studied today.

5 Interesting Facts about Georg C. Lichtenberg

1. Georg Christoph Lichtenberg discovered the “Lichtenberg figures,” which are branching electric discharge patterns on the surface of insulators.

2. He was one of the first scientists to introduce the concept of the “proof by contradiction” in mathematics.

3. Lichtenberg is often considered the father of the literary aphorism, a concise statement of a principle or precept given in pointed words.

4. Despite his physical disabilities, he became a professor at the University of Göttingen and was highly regarded for his lectures in experimental physics.

5. His “Waste Books,” a series of notebooks filled with his thoughts, observations, and aphorisms, have been influential in both scientific and literary communities.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georg C. Lichtenberg

1. “I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.”

2. “A person reveals his character by nothing so clearly as the joke he resents.”

3. “To do just the opposite is also a form of imitation.”

4. “He who is in love with himself has at least this advantage – he won’t encounter many rivals.”

5. “The most dangerous untruths are truths slightly distorted.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no precise record of Georg Christoph Lichtenberg’s net worth. However, as a respected academic and member of the Royal Society, it is likely he lived a modest yet comfortable life by the standards of his time.