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)
I believe we are on the cusp of something truly revolutionary.
Persistence is key, especially when facing skepticism.
My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing an idea become a reality.
The integrated circuit will change everything.
The long hours are worth it when you're passionate about what you do.
I often find inspiration in unexpected places.
The support of my family means the world to me.
We are building the future, one tiny component at a time.
Failure is just another step on the path to success.
The possibilities are truly endless.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to something so significant.
The integrated circuit is not just a device; it's a paradigm shift.
Keep an open mind, always.
The joy of discovery is unparalleled.
I miss you all dearly, but the work here demands my full attention.
We are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Never stop learning, never stop experimenting.
The future of electronics is miniaturization.
It's a privilege to work alongside such brilliant minds.
The challenges are immense, but so are the potential rewards.
Contemporaries of Jack Kilby
Other Inventions born within 50 years of Jack Kilby (1923–2005).