Paul Dirac
Predicted antimatter and formulated Dirac equation
Most quoted
"The underlying physical laws necessary for the mathematical theory of a large part of physics and the whole of chemistry are thus completely known, and the difficulty is only that the exact application of these laws leads to equations much too complicated to be soluble. It is the purpose of theoretical physics to show that it is possible to derive, from these equations, the properties of the actual world."
— from Proceedings of the Royal Society, 1929
"The methods of progress in theoretical physics have undergone a vast change during the present century. The classical tradition has been to consider the world to be an association of observable objects (particles, fluids, fields, etc.) moving about according to definite laws of force, so that one could form a mental picture in space and time of the whole scheme."
— from Quantised Singularities in the Electromagnetic Field, 1931
"The most powerful method of advance that can be suggested at present is to employ all the resources of pure mathematics in attempts to perfect and generalise the mathematical formalism that forms the existing basis of theoretical physics, and after each success in this direction, to try to interpret the new mathematical features in terms of physical entities."
— from Quantised Singularities in the Electromagnetic Field, 1931
All quotes by Paul Dirac (692)
The human mind is capable of understanding the universe.
I do not see how a man can work on the frontiers of knowledge if he is not a bachelor.
I was taught at school that the first thing to do when one wants to solve a problem is to write down the equations.
I have been trying to get a clear understanding of the quantum theory of radiation, but it is very difficult.
I am not interested in philosophy, only in physics.
I find it very difficult to talk to people. I prefer to think.
I have a new theory of the electron which I think is rather good.
It seems that the fundamental laws of nature are expressed in terms of a beautiful mathematical theory.
I am very happy here in Cambridge. It is a good place for thinking.
I do not understand why people are so interested in politics. It seems to me a waste of time.
The most important thing is to have a clear understanding of the problem.
I am not good at explaining things. I prefer to write them down.
I think that the future of physics lies in the development of new mathematical methods.
I am very busy with my work. I have no time for social activities.
I have been thinking about the nature of reality, but it is a very difficult problem.
I do not like to speculate. I prefer to deal with facts.
I am not interested in fame. I am only interested in physics.
The quantum theory is a very strange theory, but it seems to work.
I find it very difficult to understand human emotions.
I believe that the fundamental laws of nature are simple and beautiful.
Contemporaries of Paul Dirac
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Paul Dirac (1902–1984).