Evidence in support of general relativity came quickly. Astronomers had long known that Mercuryโs orbital motion around the sun deviated slightly from what Newtonโs mathematics predicted. In 1915, Einstein used his new equations to recalculate Mercuryโs trajectory and was able to explain the discrepancy, a realization he later described to his colleague Adrian Fokker as so thrilling that for some hours it gave him heart palpitations.
Brian GreeneI would say in one sentence my goal is to at least be part of the journey to find the unified theory that Einstein himself was really the first to look for.
Brian GreeneThe tantalizing discomfort of perplexity is what inspires otherwise ordinary men and women to extraordinary feats of ingenuity and creativity; nothing quite focuses the mind like dissonant details awaiting harmonious resolution.
Brian GreeneFar from being accidental details, the properties of nature's basic building blocks are deeply entwined with the fabric of space and time.
Brian GreeneThe melded nature of space and time is intimately woven with properties of light speed. The inviolable nature of the speed of light is actually, in Einstein's hands, talking about the inviolable nature of cause and effect.
Brian GreeneString theory is the most developed theory with the capacity to unite general relativity and quantum mechanics in a consistent manner. I do believe the universe is consistent, and therefore I do believe that general relativity and quantum mechanics should be put together in a manner that makes sense.
Brian Greene