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)
Wisdom comes from questioning assumptions.
The pile's success was a team triumph.
Life is short; make every moment count in science.
Fermi's golden rule governs transition rates.
Sarcasm: the physicist's defense against boredom.
International cooperation is vital for big science.
The joy of teaching young minds is unmatched.
Mysteries of the cosmos fuel my passion.
Rigorous theory meets experiment in harmony.
On his deathbed: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Exile from Italy was bitter but fruitful.
Particles whisper their secrets slowly.
Doubt is the origin of wisdom.
The accelerator's beam reveals atomic secrets.
Balance work and family for true happiness.
War's end brought hope and fear.
Innovation thrives on diverse ideas.
The weak interaction puzzles us still.
A good laugh solves many problems.
Chicago's winter couldn't stop the pile.
Contemporaries of Enrico Fermi
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Enrico Fermi (1901–1954).