Motivations for Young People to Be Scientists
“‘Young people, young people, have faith in those sure and powerful methods whose first secrets we are just beginning to understand. All of you, whatever your future career, do not allow yourselves to be touched by denigrating and sterile skepticism, and do not become discouraged by the sadness of certain hours that a nation has to experience. Live in the serene peace of laboratories and libraries. Ask yourselves first: What have I done to acquire knowledge? And as you advance, ask: What have I done for my country? And this you will do until the moment when you may experience the supreme happiness of thinking that you have in some way contributed to progress and the good of humanity. But to whatever degree life will have favored your efforts, when you approach the great goal, you must be able to say to yourself: I have done my best.’” (p. 493)