8
$\begingroup$

I am almost sure I read once that a famous physicist said that anyone who discover a new particle should be fined instead of receiving a prize. The context was that at the time there was more and more particles being found and little theory to give account of that. It was necessary some model based on few elementary particles.

Unfortunately I am not finding such quote anywhere. Is that quote true? If yes, who said that? Any reference would be great.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ So, we can update the famous gulag cartoon to have the following exchange: A: "I won the Nobel prize in Literature. What was YOUR crime?" B: "I discovered a new particle in Physics." $\endgroup$
    – EulerSpoiler
    Jan 31, 2019 at 9:17

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
10
$\begingroup$

According to a slide deck I found, it was Willis Lamb. Quote from said deck:

In 1955, Willis Lamb started his Nobel Prize acceptance speech by saying that “maybe physicists discovering a new particle ought to be fined 10 000$”

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks Carl! Indeed, he started his Nobel prize lecture by saying that. $\endgroup$
    – Diracology
    Jul 31, 2018 at 12:24

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.