Any man whose errors take ten years to correct is quite a man.
J. Robert OppenheimerRead
[About the great synthesis of atomic physics in the 1920s:] It was a heroic time. It was not the doing of any one man; it involved the collaboration of scores of scientists from many different lands. But from the first to last the deeply creative, subtle and critical spirit of Niels Bohr guided, restrained, deepened and finally transmuted the enterprise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the collaborative spirit in scientific advancements, especially in atomic physics, emphasizing Niels Bohr's crucial guiding role.
J. Robert Oppenheimer reflects on the significant advancements in atomic physics during the 1920s, recognizing that such progress was not the achievement of a single individual but rather a collective effort involving numerous scientists from various countries. He underscores the pivotal influence of Niels Bohr, whose creative and critical intellect not only guided the collaboration but also shaped its direction and depth, illustrating the importance of teamwork and leadership in scientific discovery.
Themes
CollaborationScienceLeadershipNiels BohrInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the history of science, to emphasize the importance of teamwork in innovation.
More from J. Robert Oppenheimer
All quotes →Bertrand Russell had given a talk on the then new quantum mechanics, of whose wonders he was most appreciative. He spoke hard and earnestly in the New Lecture Hall. And when he was done, Professor Whitehead, who presided, thanked him for his efforts, and not least for 'leaving the vast darkness of the subject unobscured'.
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There are children playing in the streets who could solve some of my top problems in physics, because they have modes of sensory perception that I lost long ago.
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It is perfectly obvious that the whole world is going to hell. The only possible chance that it might not is that we do not attempt to prevent it from doing so.
J. Robert OppenheimerRead
Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds. (quoting the Bhagavad-Gita after witnessing the first Nuclear explosion.)
J. Robert OppenheimerRead
'It worked.' (said after witnessing the first atomic detonation).
J. Robert OppenheimerRead
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