“Who would have thought around 1900 that in fifty years time we would know so much more and understand so much less.”
Share this quote
Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and From Albert Einstein and the Cosmic World Order, by C. Lanczos (Wiley, New York, 1956), but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: From Albert Einstein and the Cosmic World Order, by C. Lanczos (Wiley, New York, 1956)
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
This page records the wording "Who would have thought around 1900 that in fifty years…," which centers on thought, around, fifty. A concrete trail points toward Einstein, but the exact English form remains unconfirmed; the page therefore labels it as attributed to him while preserving its science and education context.
When to use it
- Use "Who would have thought around 1900 that in fifty years…" in a science discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of thought with around in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.