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)
Sometimes the most important discoveries come from unexpected places.
The role of theory is to guide experiment and to explain its results.
Superconductivity is a phenomenon that challenges our everyday intuition.
The BCS theory provided a microscopic understanding of superconductivity, which was a major breakthrough.
There is still much to learn about superconductivity, especially high-temperature superconductivity.
The development of the transistor revolutionized electronics and had a profound impact on society.
The early days of semiconductor research were full of surprises and unexpected results.
The quantum mechanical nature of solids is crucial for understanding their electronic properties.
The concept of holes in semiconductors was a key insight.
The interplay between fundamental research and technological application is vital.
A good physicist needs both intuition and rigorous mathematical skills.
The most satisfying moments are when a complex problem suddenly becomes clear.
Don't be afraid to question established ideas.
The path to discovery is rarely linear.
It's important to communicate your findings clearly and concisely.
The future of physics holds many exciting challenges and opportunities.
The transistor was a testament to the power of basic research.
Understanding the collective behavior of electrons in solids is a profound challenge.
The BCS theory was initially met with some skepticism, but its predictive power quickly established its validity.
The most significant advances often come from looking at old problems in new ways.
Contemporaries of John Bardeen
Other Physicss born within 50 years of John Bardeen (1908–1991).