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)
Curiosity drives the engine of discovery.
In the lab, fortune favors the prepared mind.
Neutrinos are elusive, much like truth in politics.
The structure of the nucleus is a puzzle of protons and neutrons.
Life's meaning is found in the pursuit of knowledge.
Teamwork turned theory into reality at Chicago Pile-1.
Simplicity is the hallmark of true genius in physics.
The war accelerated science but at great cost.
Jokes keep the spirit high in tough times.
Electrons obey statistics that bear my name.
The unknown is the greatest adventure.
Precision in measurement is the foundation of progress.
Family is the anchor in a sea of discoveries.
The atom bomb's shadow looms large over peace.
Creativity blooms in freedom.
Math is the language of the universe.
Challenges in research build character.
Pions mediate the strong force, a key insight.
Humor diffuses tension in the lab.
E=mc² implications are profound for energy.
Contemporaries of Enrico Fermi
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Enrico Fermi (1901–1954).