Richard Feynman

For those who religiously avoid any scientific matters
The name Richard Feynman may not exist
Despite his outstanding ranking
As one of the world’s greatest physicists

Feynman, jointly with two others,
Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965
In a 1999 poll of 130 leading physicists
He was voted as one of the ten greatest physicists of all time

In addition to his many other achievements,
He produced results that significantly improved our technical capability
He introduced the concept of examining particles, individual atom by atom
Ultimately greatly enhancing what was possible, in an area subsequently named nano – technology

When stationed at Los Alamos to assist in the atomic bomb development
He was frequently consulted by Niels Bohr, then regarded as perhaps the greatest physicist in our nation
He had no hesitancy to question Bohr’s opinions, which was what Bohr desired
Where many others feared to do so, because of Bohr’s outstanding reputation

This trait of seeking the truth came in handy in the investigation after the Challenger disaster
Feynman questioned every assumption and notion
Ultimately substantially aiding in reaching the correct conclusion
That frozen O-Rings caused the explosion

For much of his life Feynman was a teacher, at which he excelled
He took great pains to make any scientific conclusions he stated to be comprehensible
In this and other aspects of his life, he regarded any ego involvement and undue complexity
As truly reprehensible

Feynman started drawing at age 44 in 1962 and he was quite gifted
Once he began to sell his portraits, “Ofey” was the name that appeared  
Confusing his artistic talent with his scientific achievements
Was what Feynman greatly feared

When at Cal Tech, Feynman used a topless bar as an office away from his office at the college
On paper placemats he drew sketches or worked out scientific equations, in haphazard succession
When county officials threatened to close the place, only Feynman dared testify on its behalf
He cited the variety of people who attended the place, including himself, from the teaching profession

Feynman’s motto was “Who cares what they think”
Originally said to him by his first wife in his youth
Utilized as the title of one of his books
Whatever the endeavor in which he was involved, it reflects his overwhelming desire to seek the truth