William Kingdon Clifford

Date of Birth: May 4, 1845

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 3, 1879

Biography

William Kingdon Clifford was an influential English mathematician and philosopher, renowned for his work in geometry and for being an early proponent of the idea that space might be non-Euclidean. He was born in Exeter, England, and showed early academic promise, eventually becoming a professor of applied mathematics at University College London. Clifford’s work significantly contributed to the development of modern mathematical concepts, including what is now known as Clifford algebra. Beyond mathematics, he had a profound interest in philosophy, particularly in the realms of ethics and the philosophy of science. Clifford was also known for his engaging lectures and written works, which aimed to make complex mathematical ideas accessible to a broader audience. His career was tragically cut short by illness, but his intellectual legacy continues to influence various fields of study.

5 Interesting Facts about William Kingdon Clifford

1. William Kingdon Clifford was one of the first to suggest that gravity might be a manifestation of the curvature of space.

2. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1874.

3. Clifford was a pioneer in the field of biquaternions, a concept that influenced the later development of quantum mechanics.

4. He published several important works, including “Elements of Dynamic” and “Lectures and Essays.”

5. Clifford’s health declined rapidly after a trip to the Mediterranean, leading to his early death at the age of 33.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Kingdon Clifford

1. “It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.”

2. “I was not, and was conceived. I loved and did a little work. I am not and grieve not.”

3. “Every belief, every considering something true is necessarily false which is not derived from the front-line of our senses.”

4. “There is no such thing as a small matter. The smallest insect, the blade of grass, the tiniest star, are all as great as the world.”

5. “The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The concept of net worth is not applicable to historical figures like William Kingdon Clifford, as he lived in a time when such financial measures were not commonly recorded for academics and philosophers.