John Bardeen
Co-invented the transistor and developed the BCS theory of superconductivity, winning two Nobel Prizes in Physics.
Most quoted
"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
"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."
— 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."
— from Attributed
All quotes by John Bardeen (406)
I always encouraged my students to think critically and question assumptions.
The pursuit of elegance in scientific theories is a powerful motivator.
It's important to maintain a sense of humility in the face of the vastness of scientific knowledge.
I am proud of the contributions I have made to understanding the behavior of matter.
The intellectual environment at the University of Illinois was very conducive to research.
I always found great satisfaction in solving a difficult problem.
The future of physics is bright, with many exciting discoveries yet to be made.
My early interest in mathematics proved to be invaluable in my physics career.
The transistor was a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.
I believe in the importance of a strong foundation in classical physics for any aspiring scientist.
The transistor was not invented by one person, but by a team of people working together.
Science is a human endeavor, and it's important to remember that.
The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...'
I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, with the right people.
The beauty of physics is that it allows us to understand the fundamental laws of nature.
Superconductivity is a fascinating phenomenon, and there's still much to learn about it.
The BCS theory was a culmination of many years of work by many different people.
It's important to have a good understanding of the basics before you can make significant advances.
The transistor has had a profound impact on society, and I'm proud to have been a part of its development.
My work on superconductivity was driven by a desire to understand the underlying physics.
Contemporaries of John Bardeen
Other Physicss born within 50 years of John Bardeen (1908–1991).