Dr. Marina Milner-Bolotin

I use the following quote by Richard Feynman at the bottom of my e-mail: “Our imagination is stretched to the utmost, not, as in fiction, to imagine things which are not really there, but just to comprehend those things  which are there.” (Richard P. Feynman, The Character of Physical Law (1965)). One of my good friends who is into arts commented lately that the quote is anti-art and only the person who doesn’t appreciate art could have written it. This made me think about it… I think Feynman was one of the people who had deep appreciation for the arts, as well as for the science. One only needs to read his popular books to see how much he enjoyed music, dance and other kinds of artistic expression. I have a lot of respect if not a sense of admiration for Feynman. It doesn’t mean that I do not see his flaws or I agree with everything he has to say or the way he behaved (especially towards women)… However, to me, he was a very special person who had insatiable curiosity about the world around him, who tried interesting things and who has an amazing sense of humour. I think his quote does not diminish the value of art, but it shows that we are surrounded by the natural world that has so many amazing secrets and figuring them out is something that inspires scientists all around the world… I will keep Feynman’s quote at the bottom of my e-mail…