Harold E. Varmus quotes

Harold E. Varmus is an American scientist renowned for his pioneering work in cancer research and molecular biology. His discoveries have significantly advanced understanding of the genetic basis of cancer. He has received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and served as director of major U.S. research institutions. Here are 15 of his quotes:

My ideal summer day was reading on the porch. (Harold E. Varmus)
I had learned of Gertrude Stein's bon mot that medicine opened all doors. This prompted me, in different moods, to view my future life as literary psychiatrist, globe-trotting tropical disease specialist, or academic internist. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
Every cancer looks different. Every cancer has similarities to other cancers. And we're trying to milk those differences and similarities to do a better job of predicting how things are going to work out and making new drugs. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
Science can improve lives in ways that are elegant in design and moving in practice. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
Tobacco, UV rays, viruses, heredity, and age are the main causes of cancer. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
I had learned that science is a rewarding, active process of discovery, not the passive absorption of what others had discovered. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
I keep encouraging the pharmaceutical companies to put more money into R&D. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
All basic scientists who look to the NCI for funding should know that I will tolerate no retreat on the study of model systems and the pursuit of fundamental biological principles. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
Following graduation from Amherst, a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship enabled me to test the depth of my interest in literary scholarship by beginning graduate studies at Harvard University. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
In general, all cancers have been traditionally characterized by the way they appear under the microscope and the organs in which they arise. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
Anyone graduating from medical school in 1966 had first to fulfill military service before launching a career. Fiercely opposed to the Vietnam War, I sought to avoid it through an assignment to the Public Health Service. (Harold E. Varmus)
I begin with the premise that behavior is an incredibly important element in medicine. Peoples habits, their willingness to quit smoking, their willingness to take steps to avoid transmission of HIV, are all behavioral questions. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
Our biggest single theme is trying to make the NIH work better with the same amount of money. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
I saw my friends in medical school seeming to be more engaged with the real world. That provoked a sort of jealousy, and I decided to go to medical school after all. View quote
Harold E. Varmus
I'm used to being surrounded by really smart 22-year-old students who have no problem saying that something I suggested is not a very good idea. View quote
Harold E. Varmus

Harold E. Varmus

Harold E. Varmus - Image
Occupation: American Scientist
Born: December 18, 1939
Quotes count: 15