Richard Feynman

Quantum electrodynamics

Modern influential 171 sayings

Sayings by Richard Feynman

I don't think I'm a very good teacher. I just try to explain things clearly.

1981 — Interview, 'The World of Richard Feynman'
Controversial Unverifiable

You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world, but when you're finished, you'll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird... So let's look at the bird and see what it's doing — that's what counts.

1985 — Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
Controversial Unverifiable

The fact that I can even ask the question, 'What is the mind?' means that the mind is a part of the universe.

1981 — Interview, 'The World of Richard Feynman'
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a humanitarian. I'm a scientist.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or interview.
Controversial Unverifiable

The age of ignorance is past. The age of reason is here. And it will be a glorious age, if we but choose to make it so.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from a public lecture or speech.
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't have to be polite when I'm doing science.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or lecture.
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't like to be told what to do.

1985 — Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
Controversial Unverifiable

I just can't stand people who are so sure of themselves.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or interview.
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a deep thinker. I'm a practical thinker.

1981 — Interview, 'The World of Richard Feynman'
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't have to follow rules. I just have to find out what's true.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or interview.
Controversial Unverifiable

I have a lot of fun. I've always had a lot of fun. I don't know why I should stop.

1981 — Interview, 'The World of Richard Feynman'
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to do something is to do it. Not to talk about it, not to plan it, but to do it.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or lecture.
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't know anything, but I know that I know nothing. And that's the beginning of wisdom.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or lecture.
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not interested in being a guru. I'm interested in understanding the world.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or interview.
Controversial Unverifiable

There is no such thing as a miracle. There is only what we don't understand yet.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from a public lecture or speech.
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't think there's any such thing as a 'best' way to do anything. There's just what works.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or interview.
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a genius. I'm just intensely curious.

Approx. 1960s-1970s — Likely from an informal discussion or interview.
Controversial Unverifiable

You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like what they expect me to be. It's their mistake, not my failing.

1999 (posthumous collection) — The Pleasure of Finding Things Out
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't understand anything in biology. I don't understand anything in chemistry. I don't understand anything in mathematics. I don't understand anything in physics. I don't understand anything in anything. But I understand how to learn.

Approx. 1970s — Likely an informal remark, paraphrased from his general philosophy.
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is a stage, but the play is badly cast.

Approx. 1960s-1980s — Widely attributed, but specific source is elusive. Possibly an informal quip.
Controversial Unverifiable