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Robert R. Wilson
(4 Mar 1914 - 16 Jan 2000)
American physicist who was the first director of Fermilab (1967-78) and a particle accelerator designer.
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Science Quotes by Robert R. Wilson (2 quotes)
It [the value of building Fermilab’s first accelerator] only has to do with the respect with which we regard one another, the dignity of men, our love of culture. It has to do with those things. It has nothing to do with the military, I am sorry. … It has to do with: Are we good painters, good sculptors, great poets? I mean all the things that we really venerate and honor in our country and are patriotic about. In that sense, this new knowledge has all to do with honor and country but it has nothing to do directly with defending our country except to help make it worth defending.
— Robert R. Wilson
In testimony to a Congressional Committee, answering a question on how the new accelerator will affect the nation’s security (17 Apr 1968). On record in AEC Authorizing Legislation, Fiscal Year 1970: Part 1.
This new knowledge has all to do with honor and country but it has nothing to do directly with defending our country except to help make it worth defending.
— Robert R. Wilson
Explaining the value of building Fermilab’s first accelerator in testimony to Congressional Joint Committee on Atomic Energy (17 Apr 1969).
See also:
- 4 Mar - short biography, births, deaths and events on date of Wilson's birth.
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.
(1987) -- 
