Ahmed Zewail
He won the Nobel Prize for his pioneering work in femtochemistry, observing chemical reactions in real time.
Most quoted
"The difference between a good scientist and a great scientist is that the great one knows when to stop looking for the perfect answer and just publish the darn thing."
— from Advice to Students
"My colleagues sometimes ask why I spend so much time on such tiny things. I tell them, 'Because the big things are just collections of tiny things acting strangely.'"
— from Informal Conversation
"Some people see a glass half empty, others see it half full. I see it as a container with a certain volume of liquid, and I want to know its chemical composition."
— from Informal Chat
All quotes by Ahmed Zewail (419)
Family is the foundation upon which ambitions are built.
Sustainability starts with understanding molecular bonds.
The art of science lies in its elegance.
Peace through science is my lifelong mission.
Curiosity killed the cat, but saved the scientist.
Reflections on life: It's the questions that matter most.
Femtochemistry unlocks the door to life's origins.
Unity in diversity strengthens scientific endeavor.
The lab is where dreams meet reality.
Humor diffuses tension like a perfect reaction.
Legacy is measured by the minds we inspire.
Molecular dynamics mirror the chaos of existence.
Innovation requires bold, uncharted steps.
A kind word to a student can change the world.
In the end, science is about wonder.
The comeback: 'Not yet' is never final in research.
Atoms teach us humility in their vast complexity.
Life's profound lesson: Adapt or perish, like molecules.
Time is the only true currency.
The future of science lies in the ability to see the invisible and measure the immeasurable.
Contemporaries of Ahmed Zewail
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Ahmed Zewail (1946–2016).