Enrico Fermi
Created first nuclear reactor, contributed to quantum theory
Most quoted
"A human being is a part of a whole, called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
— from Attributed
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day."
— from Attributed
"Before we knew anything about the structure of the nucleus, we knew that it was very small. And we knew that it was very heavy. And we knew that it was very stable. And we knew that it was very energetic. And we knew that it was very mysterious."
— from Attributed
All quotes by Enrico Fermi (565)
There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.
Before I came here I was confused about this subject. Having listened to your lecture I am still confused—but on a higher level.
It is no good to try to stop knowledge from going forward. Ignorance is never better than knowledge.
The fundamental problem is that we don't know enough about the forces that hold the nucleus together.
Don't ever do it. Don't ever do it. Don't ever do it.
Where is everybody?
The world is full of people who are right, but they are right about the wrong things.
I am not a great man. I am just a man who has done his best.
There is no such thing as a 'perfect' experiment. There are only 'better' experiments.
The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.
It is a great pity that we do not have a more complete understanding of the fundamental particles.
The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.
I would rather be a good physicist than a great one.
The problem of nuclear energy is not whether it can be done, but whether it should be done.
The only way to learn physics is to do physics.
I have done my share of work. Now it is time for others to do theirs.
The future of nuclear energy depends on the solution of many difficult problems, both technical and political.
The most important thing is to keep asking questions.
It is not enough to know how to do something; one must also know why.
The beauty of physics lies in its simplicity and its power to explain the universe.
Contemporaries of Enrico Fermi
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Enrico Fermi (1901–1954).