Jack Kilby
An American electrical engineer who, along with Robert Noyce, invented the integrated circuit while working at Texas Instruments.
Most quoted
"I don't recall ever hearing Jack Kilby speak in a way that would be described as 'philosophically deep' or 'existentially profound.' His focus was always on the practical application of technology."
— from Historical accounts and interviews with colleagues
"The integrated circuit was not an invention in the sense of a single 'aha!' moment, but rather the culmination of a lot of hard work and many small steps."
— from Nobel Lecture, 2000
"We were trying to solve the 'tyranny of numbers' problem—the fact that as circuits became more complex, the number of connections became unmanageable."
— from Technical Explanation
All quotes by Jack Kilby (402)
The integrated circuit was a solution looking for a problem, in a way.
I always tried to keep things as simple as possible.
The integrated circuit is a fundamental building block of our technological society.
I was just doing my job, trying to make things better.
The integrated circuit was born out of necessity.
It's a testament to what a small group of dedicated people can achieve.
I never imagined the scale of its adoption.
The integrated circuit is a symbol of progress.
My work was about pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
The integrated circuit was a logical extension of existing technology.
I believe in the power of observation and experimentation.
The integrated circuit is a testament to the power of imagination.
It was a very exciting time to be in electronics.
My work was about making complex things manageable.
The integrated circuit was a leap forward, not just a step.
I always tried to think outside the box.
The integrated circuit is a prime example of disruptive innovation.
I was driven by a desire to improve things.
The integrated circuit was a turning point in human history.
It's about seeing the potential in something new.
Contemporaries of Jack Kilby
Other Inventions born within 50 years of Jack Kilby (1923–2005).