We hope to explain the entire universe in a single, simple formula that you can wear on your T-shirt.
Leon M. LedermanThe sequence of theorist, experimenter, and discovery has occasionally been compared to the sequence of farmer, pig, truffle. The farmer leads the pig to an area where there might be truffles. The pig searches diligently for the truffles. Finally, he locates one, and just as he is about to devour it, the farmer snatches it away.
Leon M. LedermanThe real goal of physics is to come up with an equation that could explain the universe but still be small enough to fit on a T-shirt
Leon M. LedermanDuring an intense period of lab work, the outside world vanishes and the obsession is total. Sleep is when you can curl up on the accelerator floor for an hour.
Leon M. LedermanOne of the major ingredients for professional success in science is luck. Without this, forget it.
Leon M. LedermanA theoretical physicist can spend his entire lifetime missing the intellectual challenge of experimental work, experiencing none of the thrills and dangers - the overhead crane with its ten-ton load, the flashing skull and crossbones and danger, radioactivity signs. A theorist's only real hazard is stabbing himself with a pencil while attacking a bug that crawls out of his calculations.
Leon M. Lederman