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)
From Rome to Chicago, science unites.
The end justifies the means in discovery.
Kaons challenge our particle models.
Teaching reveals one's own gaps.
Atomic power for peace, not war.
Imagination guides the equation.
Failure is feedback in disguise.
The lab is my second home.
Relativity and quantum dance together.
Wit sharpens the mind's edge.
Human spirit triumphs over adversity.
Neutron diffusion theory predicts criticality.
Rest in peace, but science marches on.
Don't ever tell me what I can't do.
Before we knew it, we were all in a state of terror.
It is not enough to be a good scientist. You must also be a good human being.
The fundamental problem is to find out what the universe is made of.
Success is a poor teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose.
I am afraid that the human race will not be able to stand the strain of the atomic age.
The future of nuclear energy is not in the hands of scientists, but in the hands of politicians.
Contemporaries of Enrico Fermi
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Enrico Fermi (1901–1954).