Who was greater, Einstein or Newton?

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The discussion centers around the comparison of Einstein and Newton, questioning who was greater in the realm of science. Participants express varying opinions, with some arguing in favor of Einstein based on his publication record and impact, while others highlight Newton's early achievements and prestigious positions, such as his presidency of the Royal Society. The conversation shifts to the futility of ranking scientists, with several contributors emphasizing the importance of appreciating their work rather than competing. There is a recognition that both figures have made significant contributions to physics, and the debate is deemed somewhat meaningless, as it lacks a definitive answer. Participants also touch on the historical context of their contributions and the desire for a deeper understanding of their legacies without resorting to comparisons.
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Who was greater (in your opinion), Einstein or Newton? and Why?
 
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This question comes up a lot online:

http://www.amnh.org/explore/science-bulletins/astro/documentaries/gravity-making-waves/essay-Newton-vs.-einstein-vs.-the-next-wave

and perhaps it would be more productive to search for it via google.
 
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I was just wondering what peoples thought were towards this questions.
 
Who's stronger? Superman or the Hulk? (And if you think this question is silly, it would help to explain how your question is different)
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Who's stronger? Superman or the Hulk? (And if you think this question is silly, it would help to explain how your question is different)
http://superman.wikia.com/wiki/Superman_Prime_%28One_Million%29 .

And Einstein was greater. In height.
 
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Maybe we should get inspired by my gov way of grading science and check who of them published in more presitigious journals or get more citations?

Googling: seems Einstein.
 
Czcibor said:
Maybe we should get inspired by my gov way of grading science and check who of them published in more presitigious journals or get more citations?

Googling: seems Einstein.
Not so fast. Newton was published in the Journal of the Royal Society at a young age, and that was the height. There was no superior science journal in existence. He went on to become president of that society in his later years, which made him, in effect, the King of Science. There wasn't a higher credential to be had at the time.
 
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What is this desire to rank people. I never got it. Why do you care which one is greater. Just read their work and enjoy the physics.
 
micromass said:
What is this desire to rank people. I never got it. Why do you care which one is greater.
Maybe to understand who had more donations to science community. There should be one who is more preferred.
Just read their work and enjoy the physics.
Hmmm... I can't myself if I don't know the truth.

I am working as a software engineer, my work now has nothing related to physics. But I like both of them.
 
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Silicon Waffle said:
Maybe to understand who had more donations to science community. There should be one who is more preferred.

Why? Why should there be one?

Hmmm... I can't myself if I don't know the truth.

What truth?
 
  • #11
micromass said:
Why? Why should there be one?
That is the point of the OP as he is looking for us to explain and vote. We talk about Einstein and Newton, not you individually. Why do you sound upset ?
What truth?
Truths about both of them, related historical events, their inventions and more.
 
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  • #12
Silicon Waffle said:
That is the point of the OP as he is looking for us to explain and vote. We talk about Einstein and Newton, not you individually. Why do you sound upset ?

I understand the point of the OP, but the question is pretty meaningless. There is no correct answer, so why bother?

Truths about both of them, related historical events, their inventions and more.

You can't study science without that? And why can't you do that without some silly ranking system.
 
  • #13
I am looking up more details about Newton. I don't know much about physics actually. My knowledge sucks, honestly.
I have read information about Einstein and his family, all members :oldsmile:
 
  • #14
We don't allow these kinds of threads, the conversation is meaningless. As anyone can tell from the similar discussions listed below this is a pretty regular argument.
 
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