It was at this moment that I wrote my first important paper in theoretical physics. I was 32 years old, 5 years beyond the alleged age of senility for theorists. Robert B. Laughlin ageallegeimportant Change image and share on social
To this day I always insist on working out a problem from the beginning without reading up on it first, a habit that sometimes gets me into trouble but just as often helps me see things my predecessors have missed. Robert B. Laughlin begindayhabit share on social
When I moved to Stanford I began to pursue the line of research I have been following ever since, namely trying to understand the larger implications of fractional quantum hall discovery. Robert B. Laughlin begindiscoveryfractional Change image and share on social
Over the course of time this gave us a deep respect for ideas, both our own and those of others, and an understanding that conflict through debate is a powerful means of revealing truth. Robert B. Laughlin conflictdebatedeep Change image and share on social
In parallel with the development of my interests in technical gadgetry I began to acquire a profound love of and respect for the natural world which motivates my scientific thinking to this day. Robert B. Laughlin acquirebeginday Change image and share on social
I also taught myself how to blow glass using a propane torch from the hardware store and managed to make some elementary chemistry plumbing such as tees and small glass bulbs. Robert B. Laughlin blowbulbchemistry Change image and share on social
My mother, who was professional schoolteacher, was particularly concerned about our formal education and even went so far as to start a private school together with some other parents so that our intellectual needs would be met. Robert B. Laughlin concerneducationformal share on social
My childhood home backed onto wheat and cotton fields. Robert B. Laughlin backchildhoodcotton Change image and share on social
I was an extremely reclusive and introverted boy. Robert B. Laughlin boyextremelyintrovert Change image and share on social
As a consequence while we had a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes to wear to school we were constantly conscious of being of modest means. Robert B. Laughlin clotheconsciousconsequence Change image and share on social
