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)
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
Whatever you do, you should do it with your whole mind. Don't be a half-hearted person.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't.
The fundamental problem of physics is to find the fundamental laws of nature.
Don't ever be afraid to make a mistake. The only way you learn is by making mistakes.
It has been my experience that the most important advances in science are not made by people who are trying to solve a problem, but by people who are just playing around.
The future of nuclear energy is not in bombs, but in power.
If you are a scientist, you have to be prepared to be wrong.
The universe is a strange place. It's full of things we don't understand.
The greatest discovery of all time is that the universe is understandable.
The only way to do science is to be a little bit crazy.
The laws of physics are the same everywhere in the universe.
The purpose of science is to understand the world, not to control it.
The only way to predict the future is to create it.
The most profound experiences are often the simplest.
The universe is a grand and beautiful machine.
The most important thing is to keep an open mind.
The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.
The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.
The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science.
Contemporaries of Enrico Fermi
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Enrico Fermi (1901–1954).