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 best way to learn is to do.
It is much easier to be critical than to be correct.
Why are we so sure that the laws of physics are the same everywhere in the universe?
The purpose of science is to make things understandable.
If you want to get ahead, you have to be able to explain things simply.
All science is either physics or stamp collecting.
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
The problem with experiments is that they don't always do what you expect.
One of the most important things in science is to know what to ignore.
It's not enough to be smart. You have to be able to work hard.
The greatest discovery is to find out what you don't know.
I have done my best, and that is all I can do.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
Physics is not a religion. If it were, we'd have a lot more trouble.
When you're doing an experiment, you should always be prepared for the unexpected.
It is a great pity that the human mind is not more logical.
I am not a clever man, but I am a persistent one.
The whole point of science is to make things simpler, not more complicated.
If you want to understand something, try to change it.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Contemporaries of Enrico Fermi
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Enrico Fermi (1901–1954).