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 tried to keep an open mind and consider all possibilities.
The transistor was a small device with a huge impact.
Science is a continuous process of refinement and discovery.
I found great satisfaction in the intellectual challenge of physics.
The ability to simplify complex problems is a valuable skill in science.
The BCS theory provided a microscopic explanation for superconductivity.
It's important to foster an environment where new ideas can flourish.
My work was driven by a desire to understand the fundamental properties of materials.
The impact of quantum mechanics on our understanding of solids is profound.
The pursuit of knowledge is its own reward.
The invention of the transistor was a happy accident born from persistent experimentation.
Superconductivity is one of nature's most profound mysteries, revealing the elegance of quantum mechanics.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of scientific progress; no great discovery stands alone.
In physics, the simplest explanation is often the correct one—Occam's razor guides us still.
The joy of discovery lies not in the acclaim, but in understanding the universe a little better.
Electrons behave in ways that defy intuition, yet they power our modern world.
Winning the Nobel Prize twice was humbling; it belongs to the team as much as to me.
Life is like a semiconductor—sometimes conducting, sometimes insulating against failure.
Theoretical physics without experiment is mere philosophy; together, they unlock reality.
My greatest regret is not pursuing more interdisciplinary work earlier in my career.
Contemporaries of John Bardeen
Other Physicss born within 50 years of John Bardeen (1908–1991).