Irène Joliot-Curie
She, along with her husband Frédéric Joliot-Curie, discovered artificial radioactivity.
Most quoted
"We must not forget that when radium was discovered no one knew that it would prove useful in hospitals. The work was one of pure science. And this is a proof that scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like the radium a benefit for humanity."
— from Biography
"We must not forget that when radium was discovered no one knew that it would prove useful in hospitals. The work was one of pure science. And this is a proof that scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like radium, a benefit for humanity."
— from Nobel Lecture, 'Artificial Production of Radioactive Elements', 1935
"Humanity needs practical men, who get the most out of their work, and, without forgetting the general good, safeguard their own interests. But humanity also needs dreamers, for whom the disinterested development of an enterprise is so captivating that it becomes impossible for them to devote their care to their own material profit."
— from Likely derived from Marie Curie
All quotes by Irène Joliot-Curie (405)
Beauty in science is often found in simplicity, in the elegant laws that govern complexity.
Every discovery opens new doors, revealing even more profound mysteries to explore.
Our existence is a fleeting spark in the cosmic darkness, but within that spark, there is immense light.
The pursuit of knowledge is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity.
Truth is a journey, not a destination, a path we walk with curiosity and courage.
The interconnectedness of all things is a profound truth, revealed through scientific inquiry.
To observe is to participate in the universe's unfolding story.
The beauty of the natural world is a constant source of inspiration for scientific exploration.
Our understanding of death shapes how we live; it reminds us of the preciousness of time.
The human quest for meaning is an inherent part of our consciousness, driving us forward.
Science offers a unique perspective on the grandeur and fragility of existence.
The universe does not reveal its secrets easily, but the effort of discovery is its own reward.
To truly see the world is to see the intricate beauty in its fundamental laws.
Our lives are but a small chapter in the vast book of cosmic history.
The pursuit of knowledge is a shared human endeavor, transcending borders and generations.
In every scientific breakthrough, there is a moment of profound connection with the universe.
If we have been able to discover artificial radioactivity, it is because we have been able to produce a sufficient quantity of radioactive elements. This is a very important step forward in the field of nuclear physics.
The discovery of artificial radioactivity has opened up new perspectives for the study of matter and its transformations.
We are still far from understanding all the secrets of the atom, but each new discovery brings us closer to this goal.
Science is not a luxury, but a necessity for the progress of humanity.
Contemporaries of Irène Joliot-Curie
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Irène Joliot-Curie (1897–1956).