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)
I am not a religious man. I believe in science.
The most important thing in science is to ask the right questions.
I am very happy when I am working on a problem.
I do not like to waste time on things that are not important.
I think that the universe is governed by mathematical laws.
I am not good at small talk. I prefer to discuss serious matters.
The theory of relativity is a very beautiful theory.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to work on physics.
I do not understand why people are so concerned with their appearance.
I believe that the ultimate goal of physics is to find a unified theory of everything.
I am not afraid of making mistakes. It is part of the learning process.
I find it very difficult to express my feelings.
I think that mathematics is the language of the universe.
I am very happy when I am alone with my thoughts.
I do not like to be interrupted when I am working.
The quantum field theory is a very powerful theory.
I am very fortunate to be able to pursue my passion for physics.
I do not understand why people are so interested in gossip.
I believe that the universe is fundamentally rational.
I am not good at remembering names. I prefer to remember ideas.
Contemporaries of Paul Dirac
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Paul Dirac (1902–1984).