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)
The problem of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence is a very interesting one, and it is certainly one that we should continue to think about.
It seems to me that the only way to make progress in physics is to be willing to make mistakes.
The most important thing is to never stop questioning.
The whole problem of the universe is to find out what it is made of.
The study of physics is not just about understanding the world, but about changing it.
The greatest discovery of all time is the discovery of the scientific method.
The atom is not a simple thing. It is a very complicated thing.
The future of humanity depends on our ability to control the atom.
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.
The most important thing in science is not to get the right answer, but to ask the right question.
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday's logic.
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.
Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.
Contemporaries of Enrico Fermi
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Enrico Fermi (1901–1954).