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 purpose of science is to understand the world, not to change it.
The physicist's job is to find the simplest and most beautiful laws that govern the universe.
The most profound truths are often the simplest.
The laws of nature are not invented by us, but are discovered.
The universe is a work of art, and we are its observers.
The ultimate goal of physics is to find a single equation that describes the entire universe.
The human mind is a tool for understanding the universe.
The world is a mystery, and science is our way of unraveling it.
The laws of nature are not arbitrary, but are a reflection of a deeper order.
The most beautiful theories are often the most powerful.
The universe is a symphony, and we are its audience.
The aim of science is to make the world intelligible.
The laws of nature are not just mathematical formulas, but are expressions of a profound truth.
The human condition is to seek understanding in a mysterious world.
The universe is a grand design, and we are privileged to witness it.
The most important thing in life is to find your purpose.
The laws of nature are eternal and unchanging.
The human mind is a small part of a much larger consciousness.
The universe is a puzzle, and we are trying to solve it.
The beauty of a theory is a sign of its correctness.
Contemporaries of Paul Dirac
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Paul Dirac (1902–1984).