The Unlikely Journey of a Theoretical Physicist: A Personal Account
There was no single event that initiated my pursuit of theoretical physics. Growing up, I recall a fond memory of listening to a radio program about the composition of an atom. To my surprise, I managed to understand and even repeat the explanation without error. At fourteen, the transition between schools marked a turning point in my life when I discovered my profound love for mathematics, leading me to delve into mathematical physics. I became fascinated and 'hooked' on the field, setting the stage for my unique career path.
From Teaching to Applied Physics
During my graduate studies, I received a full fellowship, and my thesis topic was suggested by Hans Bethe, a renowned physicist. Despite my advisor urging me to engage in some teaching, I quickly realized that my true calling lay outside academia. I spent my 35-year career applying my skills in applied physics, designing and building devices that had never existed. The joy and excitement of pursuing a career where I could make tangible contributions were unmatched, as I often expressed with delight, “I can’t believe I am being paid to have this much fun!”
The Call That Wouldn't Quit
Initially, my involvement with theoretical physics was limited due to my concern over the difficulty and potential lack of significant contributions. However, one day, during a particularly stormy morning, I made a groundbreaking discovery involving the laws of diffusion. This discovery, which was beyond ordinary, sparked a relentless urge to delve deeper into theoretical physics. The push was too strong to ignore, and I found myself revisiting the equations repeatedly.
The breakthrough came when I realized something profound: the mass of a proton. The discovery was partially rough around the edges but clear and unequivocal. Soon after, the scientific community, including prominent figures such as Hans Bethe, praised and saw the value in this work. This milestone prompted a shift in my approach to theoretical physics, leading to the development of the Quantum Mechanics of the Mole of Protons (QMp), a field I had to invent due to an unrelenting call.
Unveiling the Motivation Behind the Journey
The motivation behind my choice and study of the field of proton quantum mechanics was not something I could define at the outset. It was the relentless call from within, which I could neither avoid nor ignore, that ultimately led me to do the work. The motivation could be seen as the scalar force of necessity and curiosity acting in tandem to propel me forward.
In summary, while I did not choose the path of theoretical physics deliberately, it chose me. The journey from a child who grasped atomic composition to a physicist who invented a new field underscores the importance of persistence and the willingness to follow one's inner calling, even in the face of skepticism and ridicule.