F. Sherwood Rowland
He shared the Nobel Prize for his work on the depletion of the ozone layer by chlorofluorocarbons.
Most quoted
"Isn't it a responsibility of scientists, if you believe that you have found something that can affect the environment, isn't it your responsibility to actually do something about it, enough so that action actually takes place?"
— from Nobel Prize Lecture, 1995
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Especially if you made them feel wrong."
— from Attributed/Paraphrased
"What's the use of having developed a science well enough to make predictions if, in the end, all we're willing to do is stand around and wait for them to come true?"
— from Interview/Speech
All quotes by F. Sherwood Rowland (415)
It's not about being right, it's about getting it right.
The public has a right to know the potential risks associated with industrial chemicals.
The initial skepticism we faced only strengthened our resolve to pursue the truth.
The Earth's atmosphere is a complex and interconnected system.
We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to environmental protection.
The scientific evidence for ozone depletion is overwhelming.
The responsibility of a scientist extends beyond the laboratory.
The future of our planet depends on our willingness to make difficult choices today.
The scientific method, when applied rigorously, can uncover profound truths about the natural world.
The ozone layer is a vital shield that protects life on Earth.
It is a privilege to be a scientist, but it also carries a heavy burden of responsibility.
The greatest discoveries often come from questioning what is widely accepted.
The scientific community must be vigilant in identifying and addressing emerging environmental threats.
The long-term consequences of our actions are often not immediately apparent.
The political will to act on scientific findings is as important as the findings themselves.
We must learn from the ozone depletion crisis and apply those lessons to other environmental challenges.
The beauty of science lies in its ability to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
The initial reaction to our work was often disbelief, then anger, and finally acceptance.
The precautionary principle should guide our approach to environmental protection.
The scientific method is our best tool for understanding and addressing complex problems.
Contemporaries of F. Sherwood Rowland
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of F. Sherwood Rowland (1927–2012).