No endeavor that is worthwhile is simple in prospect; if it is right, it will be simple in retrospect.
Interpretation
The value of meaningful efforts often involves complexity at the start, but becomes clearer in hindsight.
This quote by Edward Teller emphasizes that while significant endeavors may appear complicated and daunting when we first contemplate them, their true worth and the understanding of their simplicity often emerge only after we've gone through the process. It suggests that the challenges faced are necessary for growth and comprehension, ultimately leading to a sense of clarity and fulfillment.
In practice
Use this quote in a motivational speech to inspire students tackling challenging projects.
In the history of physics, there have been three great revolutions in thought that first seemed absurd yet proved to be true. The first proposed that the earth, instead of being stationary, was moving around at a great and variable speed in a universe that is much bigger than it appears to our immediate perception. That proposal, I believe, was first made by Aristarchos two millenia ago ... Remarkably enough, the name Aristarchos in Greek means best beginning.
The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.
The scientist is not responsible for the laws of nature. It is his job to find out how these laws operate. It is the scientist's job to find the ways in which these laws can serve the human will. However, it is not the scientist's job to determine whether a hydrogen bomb should be constructed, whether it should be used, or how it should be used. This responsibility rests with the American people and with their chosen representatives.
Today, nothing is unusual about a scientific discovery's being followed soon after by a technical application: The discovery of electrons led to electronics; fission led to nuclear energy. But before the 1880's, science played almost no role in the advances of technology. For example, James Watt developed the first efficient steam engine long before science established the equivalence between mechanical heat and energy.
Secrecy, once accepted, becomes an addiction.
I tried to contribute to the defeat of the Soviets. If I contributed 1%, it is 1% of something enormous.
Attention is the vital thing and there is no tension in attention. It just happens to be a similar word. It's not concentration or straining. Attention has the openness of a young child not yet dominated by the conceptual mind.
I learned to observe the world around me, and to note what I saw
The subconscious mind has no sense of humor and people often joke themselves into unhappy experiences.
He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.
I followed my heart without breaking any rules.
Things are sweeter when they're lost. I know--because once I wanted something and got it. It was the only thing I ever wanted badly, Dot, and when I got it it turned to dust in my hand.
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