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 enough to do good science; you have to make sure it's heard.
The scientific community has a responsibility to speak out when it sees a potential danger to the planet.
The resistance to our findings is frustrating, but not unexpected. Vested interests are powerful.
Sometimes, the most important discoveries are the ones that make people uncomfortable.
I believe in the power of evidence. Eventually, the truth will prevail.
The ozone layer is not just a scientific curiosity; it's essential for life on Earth.
We are not just scientists; we are also citizens of this planet.
The greatest challenge is to translate complex science into understandable terms for the public and policymakers.
Never underestimate the power of a few dedicated individuals to change the world.
The Nobel Prize is a wonderful recognition, but the real reward is knowing we made a difference.
My work has always been driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how the world works.
The beauty of science lies in its ability to uncover hidden truths.
We must continue to monitor the atmosphere. The fight is not over.
Joan has been my rock, my intellectual partner, and my greatest supporter throughout this journey.
The scientific method, when applied rigorously, is an incredibly powerful tool for understanding the universe.
It's a privilege to be a scientist, to contribute to the sum of human knowledge.
The initial skepticism was disheartening, but it only strengthened our resolve to prove our case.
Our responsibility extends beyond the laboratory bench; it reaches into the public square.
The Montreal Protocol is a testament to what can be achieved when science and policy work together.
I always encouraged my students to ask the difficult questions, to challenge assumptions.
Contemporaries of F. Sherwood Rowland
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of F. Sherwood Rowland (1927–2012).