Lars Onsager Quotes

Powerful Lars Onsager for Daily Growth

About Lars Onsager

Lars Onsager (July 16, 1903 – February 15, 1976) was an American physicist and chemical engineer, renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of thermodynamics and information theory. Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Norwegian parents, Onsager grew up with a deep appreciation for science and mathematics. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota before earning a doctorate in physical chemistry from Yale University in 1928. In 1936, Onsager published his most influential work - the reciprocal relations or Onsager's Reciprocal Relations, which proposed that in systems where there is more than one independent variable (such as temperature and pressure), the rates of two processes are related to each other by a symmetry in the microscopic forces at play. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1968, shared with Pavel Flory for their fundamental work in the field of polymer chemistry. Throughout his career, Onsager held positions at Yale University, Cornell University, and Columbia University, where he served as a professor of physical chemistry. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Physical Society, and the American Chemical Society. Onsager's work had a significant impact on various fields, including statistical mechanics, information theory, quantum mechanics, and chemical engineering. His life and contributions continue to inspire scientists and engineers around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The laws of physics do not permit perpetual motion."

The quote by Lars Onsager, "The laws of physics do not permit perpetual motion," means that it is impossible for a machine or system to operate indefinitely without any input of energy or resources, as described by the concept of perpetual motion (a machine that can run indefinitely without an external power source). This rule is a fundamental principle in physics and engineering, emphasizing the conservation of energy and resources in the universe.


"Everything in the universe is interconnected in some way."

The quote by Lars Onsager emphasizes the profound web of connections that binds all aspects of the universe together. It suggests that everything, regardless of its nature or location, is part of a unified system where interactions, influences, and dependencies exist in some form. This understanding underscores the importance of interdisciplinary study and collaboration to better understand the world around us, as solutions for complex problems often lie at the intersection of multiple fields. It also highlights the significance of empathy and compassion, as we are all part of this intricate tapestry of existence, and our actions have repercussions that ripple throughout the cosmos.


"Complexity leads to order and simplicity leads to disorder."

This quote by Lars Onsager suggests that complexity, when properly managed or structured, can lead to a state of order or organization. Conversely, simplicity may seem more straightforward at first glance, but without proper guidance or structure, it can easily descend into chaos or disorder. In other words, the journey towards understanding and mastery often involves navigating through complexities before finding the underlying order or principles.


"The more things are understood, the less mysterious they become."

This quote by Lars Onsager suggests that as we gain a deeper understanding of something, it loses its mystique or enigma. The implication is that knowledge dispels uncertainty and brings clarity to complex or seemingly inexplicable phenomena. In essence, Onsager proposes that the pursuit of knowledge can illuminate the unknown, making the world less mysterious and more comprehensible.


"Life is a complex system that can be described by simple laws, but understanding those laws requires a deep level of insight."

This quote highlights two key aspects of understanding complex systems like life itself: simplicity in description and depth in comprehension. It suggests that while the behaviors and phenomena of life can often be expressed using relatively straightforward principles (simple laws), truly grasping these principles demands a profound level of intellectual insight and wisdom. In other words, the journey towards understanding life is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's also about developing the ability to perceive underlying patterns and connections that may not be immediately obvious.


I have received the greatest honor in my life - and the greatest surprise. Never did I dream that the Nobel Prize could be awarded for the reciprocal relations.

- Lars Onsager

Surprise, My Life, Awarded, Nobel Prize

Estimates of the ionic mobilities vary over a considerable range; but in any event, the positive ionic defect is much more mobile in the solid than in the liquid, and its mobility varies very little with the temperature.

- Lars Onsager

Over, Mobility, Very, Considerable

The thermodynamic properties of electrolyte solutions can be determined from the measurements of the voltage between electrodes reversible to both ions.

- Lars Onsager

Solutions, Both, Ions, Determined

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