Author

The development of science is basically a social phenomenon, dependent on hard work and mutual support of many scientists and on the societies in which they live.

From Charles H. Townes

There is some truth to the idea that, in the fields of science, individual contributions of great significance are possible.

From Charles H. Townes

I was very eager to produce an oscillator for short waves. I was doing science with microwaves, and I would get down to a few millimetres in wavelength, but I wanted to get shorter wavelengths; I wanted to get into the infra-red because I saw there was a lot more to be done there.

From Charles H. Townes

In many cases, people who win a Nobel prize, their work slows down after that because of the distractions. Yes, fame is rewarding, but it's a pity if it keeps you from doing the work you are good at.

From Charles H. Townes

The imposing edifice of science provides a challenging view of what can be achieved by the accumulation of many small efforts in a steady objective and dedicated search for truth.

From Charles H. Townes

Much public thinking follows a rut. The same thing is true in science. People get stuck and don't look in other directions.

From Charles H. Townes

Science is exploration. The fundamental nature of exploration is that we don't know what's there. We can guess and hope and aim to find out certain things, but we have to expect surprises.

From Charles H. Townes

Science has faith. We make postulates. We can't prove those postulates, but we have faith in them.

From Charles H. Townes

We can't avoid age. However, we can avoid some aging. Continue to do things. Be active. Life is fantastic in the way it adjusts to demands; if you use your muscles and mind, they stay there much longer.

From Charles H. Townes

Alfred Nobel really understood very well the necessary supra-natural character of the human enterprise.

From Charles H. Townes

Charles H. Townes

Notable Quotes

Authors with Similar Views

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Max Planck

Adam Clayton

Aubrey de Grey

Bernard Beckett

Authors with Opposing Views

Thomas Huxley

Iris Dement

Jane Goodall

Steven Weinberg