I believe I am a person with unusual talents. I think I'd be a liar or stupid if I were to deny that.

I did get a very fine education, and not just in science. It took some pressure on the part of my elders to convince me that I really should take an interest in humanities.

Everybody has to learn for the first time.

I certainly saw science as a kind of calling, and one with as much legitimacy as a religious calling.

To have the recognition of your colleagues is great. The public attention is a mixed blessing.

Try hard to find out what you're good at and what your passions are, and where the two converge, and build your life around that.

I'm not easily inhibited by the fact that I don't know something about a subject. It doesn't stop me from dabbling in it.