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)
A quiet environment is conducive to deep thought.
The concept of broken symmetry is fundamental to understanding phase transitions, including superconductivity.
I have always believed in the importance of basic research, without regard to immediate practical applications.
The future of solid-state physics lies in exploring ever more complex and correlated electron systems.
Luck favors the prepared mind, as Pasteur said. Our minds were prepared by years of work on electrons in metals.
The development of quantum mechanics was the essential prerequisite for understanding solids.
Contemporaries of John Bardeen
Other Physicss born within 50 years of John Bardeen (1908–1991).