Charles Hard Townes quotes

Charles Hard Townes was an American physicist renowned for his pioneering work in quantum electronics. His invention of the maser and contributions to the development of the laser opened new frontiers in science and technology. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking achievements. Here are 9 of his quotes:

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.

Charles Hard Townes

It's a fantastically specialized universe, but how in the world did it happen?

Charles Hard 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.

Charles Hard 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.

Charles Hard 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.

Charles Hard 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.

Charles Hard 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.

Charles Hard Townes

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

Charles Hard Townes