The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.
Edward TellerRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote discusses how revolutionary ideas in physics, once thought absurd, can be validated and transformative.
Edward Teller reflects on the significant paradigm shifts in physics, exemplifying how revolutionary concepts initially deemed implausible by society have repeatedly reshaped our understanding of the universe. He references Aristarchos, an ancient thinker who proposed that the Earth orbits the sun, signifying that profound ideas can often come from unexpected sources and, when thoroughly evaluated, can lead to monumental shifts in perception about our reality.
Themes
PhysicsRevolutionTruthPerceptionUniverseIdeas
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could inspire students to innovate in a science class.
More from Edward Teller
All quotes →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.
Edward TellerRead
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.
Edward TellerRead
Secrecy, once accepted, becomes an addiction.
Edward TellerRead
No endeavor that is worthwhile is simple in prospect; if it is right, it will be simple in retrospect.
Edward TellerRead
I tried to contribute to the defeat of the Soviets. If I contributed 1%, it is 1% of something enormous.
Edward TellerRead
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