I was 17 years old when my old Chemistry teacher showed me the BBC Horizon film about Richard Feynman - I think it must have been around the time that he died, and the film really acted as an obituary for him.

I once read that the purpose of obituaries is to make you wish you had known more about that person before. That couldn't be more true than for this incredible man, who is sorely missed. There surely can't have been anyone who has inspired as many people to go into science, myself included, and his autobiographies should become compulsory reading for all schoolchildren.

I have been reading and rereading the contributions to this site for two years, and now would like to add my own comments. It is completely obvious that the spirit of Richard Feynman has been well-absorbed and expressed by all the contributors, but for me, the most evocative comments have come from Winang Asmara, Emily Hickey, Rafizah Amran, Stas Vonog, and Jennifer Kallmeyer. I hope that many, many more people will come to know the value of understanding and appreciating the character of Feynman. (Maybe this will be stimulated by the release of a U.S. commemorative stamp honoring Feynman in April 2005 - take a look at http://shop.usps.com/images/05_nscientists37_f.jpg). This is especially important in the current time, in which disagreement is equated with disloyalty. Feynman never exhibited such sheep-like loyalty to anything - not even to science, because of course, science is always subject to modification and clarification, and at its best, is independent of political manipulation. Readers of "What Do You Care What Other People Think" will appreciate this point well, having read of William Rogers' attempts to shut Feynman up to forego the possibility that the morale of NASA would be hurt by any politically insensitive statements from Feynman. So his frozen O-ring demonstration on live TV in 1986 of how the Challenger blew up was the perfect antidote to such political chicanery, and forced a degree of openness into the investigation that is rare for government (and boy, do we ever need more of that now).

 About 4 years ago I visited Feynman's (and wife Gweneth's) gravesite in Mountain View Cemetery, Altadena (take Fair Oaks Drive all the way north and stop just before the curve), and was totally amazed that nobody in the office (where you can get directions) had any idea of who he was. I wrote the cemetery about this undeserved ignorance toward Feynman and of course, got absolutely no response at all. Even after you get directions, you have to look pretty hard in the correct vicinity, because the stone is a flat slab set in the ground near a small tree, not much different from the neighboring flat slabs. And this incident sort of fits in with what it must have been like to be Feynman. No matter how many people he knew, what he did best was work completely alone. Because he was determined to find totally new insights when he was working, he never sought the comfort of adulation or approval of people (the vast majority) who were caught up in trendy pursuits. This seems remarkable for a man who could clearly get along with just about any type of person despite his tremendous intelligence, except for self-important fools (see "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman" for many stories of this type).

How has Feynman affected my life? Well, I do have a Ph.D. in physics, but I never met Feynman. I was happy to find out later that a lot of his adventures sounded like stuff that I would do, though (from "Surely You're Joking"), and to me that meant that I couldn't have stopped myself from having them. I do have a story to relate In the same spirit of Feynman's refusal to follow the crowd. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 1974 and immediately noticed that there was no known mechanism to explain why high blood sugar levels could facilitate erosion of blood vessel membranes leading to leakiness and/or clot formation. This is called angiopathy, and is really why diabetics die, but almost nobody was trying to find alternate mechanisms. So I charged off into the medical literature, and found a couple of obscure reports implicating free radicals, whereupon I started taking Vitamin E and aspirin while switching careers from physical chemistry to diabetes research. Twenty five years later, the American Diabetes Association stated that they now recommended taking Vitamin E and aspirin. I wound up using those same ideas in stroke research, and without a single bit of formal training in medicine, managed to become a full professor of neurology.

In closing, I trust that this website will continue to inspire its readers to try for the very best they can in the same manner as Richard Feynman, despite all manner of obstacles in front of them; to learn how to live with enthusiasm and determination to find out the truth; and then SAY what you have learned regardless of potential political fallout, so the rest of us can know too.

 --- Brant Watson

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Having just read 'You Must be joking Mr Feynman' I have come to realise that this is one person whom I would liked to have met. As a kid, playing around with bulbs and radios, later becoming a radio amateur at the age of fifteen, playing guitar and mandolin, being a bit of a rebel in the interests of common sense and best practice, having suffered from diplomacy issues during my early life and not having one moment of regret are all things I have done.

I have also done these things with an element of humour to the extent that a team of IT teccies I had been working with created a publication called the Geoffosaurus. This consisted of various analogies and quotes I have made, some originally mine, some deliberate misquotes from others. Not having achieved the same level of academic excellence attained by Dr Feynman, I have still made a few contributions to common sense and better ways of doing things over the years and can really relate to his way of thinking. A true realist and wonderful cynic!

--- Geoff R Duke

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I'm a physicist whose interest in physics has been mainly kindled by philosophical questions. During my study I appreciated the clarity and  originality of the Feynman Lectures very much. They became my personal  "benchmark" for excellence in explanation. Today I'm in charge of an  institution for Academic Staff Development in Germany. In my lectures  for students about the basics of learning and in my seminars for  professors about the essentials of academic teaching I love to take  examples from Feynman. His attitude is a wonderful example for a quality  of curiosity which is creative and thorough at the same time. Thank you  for creating that inspiring site!

--- Hans-Peter Voss, Karlsruhe, Germany

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In the spring of 1966 a friend of mine returned from his first year at Cal Tech and told me this example of "a Cal Tech joke":

He then went on to explain that the joke had recently been spoiled when the professor in question was awarded the Nobel Prize!

--- Mike Amling

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Temos de agradecer aos responsáveis por iniciativas como esta, desta home. Ela mostra que a Internet devidamente aproveitada, fará muito benefício à humanidade. Dr. Feynman precisa ser mais e mais conhecido em todos os níveis de ensino e por toda parte. Isso é viver pelo bem-estar humano. Fazer o mesmo que Dr Feynman. Muito obrigado.

Here's Google's machine translation:

We have to be thankful the responsible ones for initiatives as this, of this home. It shows that the InterNet duly used to advantage, will make much benefit to the humanity. Dr. necessary Feynman more and more to be known in all the levels of education and for all part. This is to live for human well-being. To make the same that Dr Feynman. Very obliged

--- Pedro Bertolino

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My wife & I were going through her late mother's 'autograph book' and came across an unexpected finding: Richard Feynman was in my mother-in-law's junior high class & had signed her book as follows: "If wisdom's way you wisely seek, five things observe with care: of whom you speak, to whom you speak, and when & how & where."  He signed it, "your brother, Richard Feynman, grade 8. June 22, 1931."

Unfortunately, we never realized my mother in law had grown up with Professor Feynman, or we'd have asked her a lot more questions!

--- Howard & Penny Aldrich

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I am a physics student at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland.  I nearly became a Chemist until I read Surely you're Joking, Mr Feynman, since then I have read some of his other book and wish I had the guts to do some of the things he did.  I am so glad there is going to be a stamp of him next year, I'll have to try and get hold of it somehow.

 --- Craig Millar

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I was working in a coffee house years ago and someone left a copy of Six Easy Pieces on a table. I had no real idea what it was about but I have always been a hoarder of books. No one claimed the book by the end of the day and I decided to take it. Now, I am studying physics and intend to become a physics professor myself one day. I credit Richard Feynman with allowing me to believe that a physics can be creative and even fun.

I have read his works and can only deplore the fact of being born too late and in the wrong hemisphere, I could never meet this mental wizard. Luckily, the memories of his contemporaries make it possible to imagine him as a person and scientist

 --- Jan-Erik Wahlberg
Turku, Finland

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I'm a high school physics teacher. As many of you may well know, HS physics is a subject that a few students love but most students dread. One approach that I've found very effective at bringing physics into focus for the kids (and to make it "human") is to interject Feynman into the lessons at various points throughout the course. I show the A&E Biography film early in the year and then in the spring I show them "Infinity". I also use quotes and anecdotes from "Surely You're Joking" and "What Do YOU Care" to spice things up occasionally.

The best thing is that it works in two ways. First, it puts a face on physics. And second, it keeps the Feynman story fresh in the minds of today's youth, who will become tomorrow's scientists, engineers, and physicians.

Thanks so much for maintaining this website!

 --- Dave Skourup

Bohr, Oppenheimer, Schwinger, Bethe and some of their fellows DID say, "He's no Feynman, but..." about several of their contemporaries. Are we perhaps closer; now, to some recognition of why they spoke this way?

Thank you for what you do. We appreciate your efforts.

 --- Walt Youngblood

If it were possible, I'd like to sit on a long evening conversation with Joseph Campbell, Richard Feynman and William Osler. It would be soooo cool! Of course, it would be nice to have Gisele Bundchen there as well. ;-)

--- Benjamin Pimentel

Gracias Sr. Feynman!

I was 17 when my uncle gave me a new book as a birthday present: "¿Está usted de broma, Sr.Feynman?". That year I had to choose a career to study, and I had thought of Architecture. Only 48 hours later, I was considering becoming a physicist. Today, five years later, I'm studying Electrical Engineering, and I'm thankful of reading that book.

I was 20 when I read "The Feynman Lectures on Physics" in order to pass a subject of Electromagnetic Fields, and I must recognize that it's the most interesting way to be affected by curiosity, passion, and interest in science. His amazing and different way of explaining physics phenomena is the best proof of the genius he was.

--- Javier Tabernero
Madrid, Spain

Hi all, great site!

Richard and his family lived across the street from me in Altadena. My Dad and Richard became close friends and the Feynman family was always over our house swimming in our pool even if we were not home :-)

I have fond memories of Richard attending my wedding just before he died. I also remember Richard setting up a laser beam and harassing cars that drove buy our street. No big deal now but back then a laser was something really special.

Keep up the good work!

--- Mark

It must have been around 1989 when I first discovered the book 'Surely you're joking....". That was when I just had started my own career in science (though not in physics). Ever since then, I am and was inspired by the joy and fun and enthusiasm of Richard Feynman. Especially his "QED" and 'Character of Physical Law' actually made my physics-undergrad classes quite less stressful - since I repeatedly had this 'aaaaaaaaaaah - THAT's how it works!" experiences while reading AND actually enjoying to read (!) these books.

Right now, I am reading the latest release of his letters - and as always, am completely thrilled by his wonderful spirit and great humour. I wanted to thank Michelle Feynman for putting this wonderful book together.

Like most of the posters here - I regret that I never met this man in real life. I envy all of you who did. Last year I passed 'Los Alamos' on a way to a conference in Taos - and couldn't stop thinking 'Wow, this is where he worked, he might have even driven down that very piece of road....". Funny, how a man that I never even knew existed when he was still alive can have such an impact on a person's life.

Feynman tells us all of how to look at nature - i.e. ask the 'right' questions, and hope that 'she' will eventually reveal parts of her secrets. I try my best to follow that lead. And there are many more - I passed down his books to so many of my friends....and most of them are complete 'Feynman-addicts' now as well.

--- Maria Waldhoer,
Austria

 

I'm a European who lives in Coruña, Spain and who wanted to become a physicist since I was 14. The reason was that I loved science, especially astronomy, and got to read Stephen Hawking's bestseller, which made me make up my mind to struggle hard in order to be able to understand general relativity. I was very one-sided about science like Feynman himself, so somebody told me about a book of an American physicist who was famous for his "many-sided" life (drawing, playing drums...).

That happened to be the impression one might get reading the back cover of "Surely You're joking Mr.Feynman!". I happened to have seen that book before but never paid too much attention to it, so I decided to buy "What do you care what other people think?" and "Surely..." came immediately afterwards. I found out Feynman's way of thinking, tackling problems and facing life and it got me so interested and identified that made me fall in love with that style forever. I bought all books I could about Feynman in Spanish and English and have given my best to learn as much as he did ever since.

That turned out to be successful: thanks to his inspiring insight and charm I was encouraged indirectly by him, up to the point of turning normal grades into Honours in all my studies from then on. My family (and Spain) is only into humanities, so Feynman became my personal hero and his stories (like a "far friendship") helped me out to overcome some difficult moments and situations many times in my short life.

Nowadays I'm studying Theoretical Physics and can hardly wait for the new book with Feynman's correspondence "Perfectly Rational Deviations from the Beaten Track". Some friends of mine have become aware of Feynman as well, thanks to me and stories or quotes about him.

It's a pleasure to see in your site how many people share the same feelings making us all connected somehow. Not only science, but even Arline's love story had a big impact on me for personal reasons. That's his best point: there is SO MUCH to learn from only one person that makes me wonder how many of us waste our time. So much can be done when you put all your effort on it... I grew without a father and perhaps I somehow had to learn a way of thinking from someone else. Feynman makes me smile and laugh and he'll be surely one of those memories you cherish all your life. If I had a time machine I would travel to meet him for sure! But the only thing I can do is thank Michelle and Carl Feynman for letting us travel in time to enjoy "this big game" with their father.

One guy and one girl have given shape to my mind and lifestyle; him?, he was a "FINE MAN".

--- Javier A. Vizoso
Spain

I like him besides as a physicist, as a good husband. I cried when I read about his devotion to his first wife. Unlike Einstein, Feynman was a great loving human being. I still remember his picture - playing bongo from our physics book I read in 1972.

I chose physics as career due to Marie Curie and stayed in it regardless due to Richard Feynman.

--- Madhuri Bapat

I got to know Richard through his English wife when I arrived at Pomona College from Scotland in the early '60's. Apart from his brilliance in theoretical physics he was the 'debunker supreme'. I wish he was alive today to pour scorn and derision on the European hysterics who have produced the pseudo-scientific garbage of the Kyoto Protocol. It would have been exactly his sort of thing!

 --- Dr John Cameron, St Andrews, Scotland

I graduated from high school the year Richard Feynman was awarded the Nobel prize. I went on to study chemistry and engineering rather than physics per se, and did not know much about Feynman until later. My career took various twists and turns, and I am now a teacher of chemistry and physics. Each year my classes and my teaching have a theme. The theme for the next academic year? "Two Thousand and Six: Easy Pieces", with plenty of credit to Feynman and study of his life and science.

 --- Larry Stookey

I picked up a copy of "Genius" in 2003. I was immediately hooked. Up till then I'd always struggled with maths, and instead of becoming a scientist like I wanted to I went into being a lawyer. But now I'm getting back into maths/science again, and its all because of the great man, Richard Feynman

I love the way he refused to see his studies as an elite pursuit, but rather placed all emphasis on clear communication, so that people could understand these wonderful things as well. I realized that so much of why people view maths/physics as "hard" is because the way its instructed. Richard Feynman is truly an inspiration for all of us who want to experience the "pleasure of finding things out".

 --- David Beattie
Melbourne, Australia

I was delighted to find your website, dedicated to a true genius of  Physics, Richard P Feynman. I have a well thumbed, well loved copy of Six Easy Pieces, which opened an extra dimensional doorway of complete and utter fascination into the world of a subject I adore, live and breathe every day. I was able through this book to view Physics close up and to somehow be there, within that classroom of the mind. Richard was so very gifted and well loved by all that knew him, that I felt both humbled and exceedingly honoured, to read his works for myself. And yes I wish with all my heart, that I too had met Richard, for he had a way of teaching that held his audience in the natural way of a true teacher of Physics, and he has inspired me to work ever harder in order to one day teach too. God Bless You all.

 --- Clive Mc.

I studied Physics at Leicester University in England at the end of the 70's.

Richard's Lecture Course books helped explain the concepts and the maths behind the phenomena more clearly than any other source.

Even now, I have a copy of them, as well as every other book by Richard or about him. Currently, I'm reading about his adventures in Tuva, which are fascinating.

As a man, and as a scientist, I admire Richard. It seems strange to some  that a physicist could be a hero, but Richard is definitely one of mine.

We miss him now he is gone, but we are glad to have known him partly through his works.

 --- Nick Stanton,
St Ives, Cornwall, England
 

While studying at Rickets House, I would even skip a required class to attend a Dr. Feynman lecture. He talked about things he didn't know, had a hilarious irreverence for things people were sure they knew, and he made one feel that both you and he were learning solutions to difficult problems together.

When he asked if you had any questions...you sure better have some!

I so wish he could have visited Tuva. He just ran out of time.

---  J. Michael

 I got to know Dick Feynman when I was a first-year high school student through browsing the list of physics Nobel laureates and what I exactly remember is that I was attracted at first sight by his Nobel prize photo which reflected quite brilliantly his charismatic virtues (something that you could never find in other laureates' dull faces). Of course, in those days I still didn't know who Feynman was, nor did I then have a profound knowledge of physics, but seeing his face was enough to act as a strong catalyst for my tremendous love and worship of physics.

I vigorously pursued my studies beyond text books and in the mean time searched for any new and first hand info on that lovely physicist. After some time I realized that the owner of my beloved portrait was not only a great physicist but arguably one of the greatest physicists of not only 20th century but of all time. Even at times surpassing such great names as Einstein, Pauli, Dirac etc.

My only regret is that I did not choose to study physics at university and went for Electrical engineering. However I have enhanced my love for physics day after day by teaching myself advanced physics text books and focusing on those areas of Elec. eng. which are in close contact with or derived from physics like lasers, solid state devices, superconductors, electromagnetism and microwaves etc. and that is all due to one man : The physicist of physicists ( in analogy to The king of kings) : Prof. Richard P. Feynman.

May his endeared soul rest in perpetual peace.

--- A.R. Nasehi
Shiraz , Iran

Recently I bought the book „Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman” by pure chance. It was a stroke of luck!

My son is a typical adolescent (17), without any interest in learning anything. He read this very book (by a further coincidence), believe it or not, suddenly he is interested in science, learning and continuing education.

He is enthusiastic of Mr. Feynman's way of life, to be interested in everything and being decent. Now he has an ambition.

 --- Oliver Parr
Frankfurt/Germany

Remembering Sunday's at Zorthians!
Discussing the way of Tao.

--- Jeannette Caress
Puget Sound

I'm surprised that more haven't mentioned discovering Feynman, or perhaps becoming hooked on him, by his commentaries for Nova or other science programs on TV, because that's what did it for me. It was so long ago, I don't remember the first one I saw, but I do have my favorite. He introduced a program in theoretical physics that followed the then current theory and research. After his introduction, the moderator asked him how he felt about the various theories. And he proceeded to say that he wasn't too enthused about them.

The program then followed those areas for the next few years, reporting on progress and disappointments, and then returned to Feynman to have him summarize things, which he did in great form. Much had been found to support several of the theories, and they had progressed. But remembering his comments at the beginning, the moderator reminded him of them, and once again asked how he felt about those comments, and the results that had come in since then. I think he smiled a bit, and said something like the following: "I have to admit to being a little embarrassed by my comments then, and how well some of the theories and research have progressed. They have real merit." But then in his wonderful way, he looked straight into the camera, kind of wrinkled up his nose, and said, "But I still don't like them!"

And I've been laughing ever since -- at those memories, and the many other delights in the books so often mentioned. Here's hoping that many others will continue to discover the wonder of Feynman for years and years to come.

--- Kelt Kinnick

Feynman is always first on my list of people at my fantasy dinner!

 --- Carolyn King

As a long-time admirer of Dr. Feynman's life, achievements, and antics, I was pleased to find your webpage today. It is a fine tribute to a great man, and educates many, not only about science, but also about the wonderful world that one man saw and explored -- that we can all see and explore, if we just open our eyes.

I was a student at Caltech in 1985-86 (I did not finish my schooling there), and while I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Feynman, I do have an anecdote. I was a member of the Caltech Wind Ensemble and we were just beginning practice in one of the school auditoriums when Dr. Feynman came in. He was going to appear in a TACIT (Theater Arts at Caltech -- the student drama group) play and was heading for rehearsal, but had been told the wrong auditorium. Rather than simply nodding and leaving, as most people would do, he joined the percussionists in the back row and improvised on the drums while we practiced, for about five minutes, before cheerfully waving goodbye and heading out to find his rehearsal.

It always impressed me that he took such joy in every aspect of life -- even things like orchestral music which he otherwise did not normally participate in -- and I try to carry that joy with me as well. (Sadly, I do not possess his sheer chutzpah to pull such things off.) Thank you again for your fine tribute.

--- Carole Quattrone

I had always thought that Richard Feynman would appreciate this event.  Yet, I never sent it to him, which I deeply regret.

I had gone to a book store to buy this book, but, as I told the clerk, "This book is by a Nobel Prize winner in physics, whose name I forget, but it is not about physics, it's about him.  And I don't remember the title either."

The clerk replied, "Surely, You're Joking."

I really felt insulted, until he then said, "That's the name of the book."

And now, my car carries the Maryland license, KYZYL.

 ---Terry Ireland

I never knew Dr. Feynman. In fact, I had never even heard of him until I picked up his book "Surely you're joking Mr. Feynman!" quite randomly at a garage sale. But I just wanted to thank him, somehow, for the last chapter of his book. As a young scientist surrounded by people who are more concerned with quick fame and glory than with scientific integrity, it was a relief to read his ideas on integrity. He is the first scientist I have ever heard speaking of the subject with such explicitness, and I am very grateful to him.

I believe that the success of Richard Feynman was due his resistance to let go of his imagination. As children, we all ask the deep questions of life, science, philosophy, and religion not because we do not know any better but because we simply do not know. I became inspired to study physics after reading a book, or rather a collection of lectures, by Feynman called "The Meaning of It All." As adults, we often either forget or neglect to ask the important questions and as a result, leave our curiousity in our childhood. However, Richard Feynman never gave in to this and for his resistance I admire him greatly. Even after his death he continues to affect so many lives, mine in particular.

--- David Kovalik,
Connecticut

I have just finished reading "Surely You're Joking My Feynman!", a delightful and interesting composition about a person I had never known about before my neighbor gave me a copy to read.  I was a math major and a physics minor but over 50 years ago.  Some of the stories he told about experimenting with things reminded me of my youth in building a radio from a Popular Science article using a razor and the carbon stick from an old battery.  I am an old expired math teacher who wishes he had know more about him back in my high school teaching days.  He was an amazing person to have explored everything he ever came across.  I have never known anyone with his capacity for wit and an ability to see the solution to many science conundrums.  I am recommending that my grandchildren read this book.

--- Dr. Roger

I think that Richard Feynman is the greatest American of all times! I don't respect any authorities in general but after reading many of his books I have to admit that Feynman is my hero. He has all the personality traits that I prize the most in people. I love science myself, I consider it the best of all humanities achievements, unfortunately it is hurt by many bad teachers who discourage young intelligent people from a career in science. Feynman is the true champion of science in that he does the opposite, he shows the real value and beauty of science and his passion is a real inspiration!

--- Paul Mrozek

 I was introduced to the unreduceable man of Richard Feynman through Alan Alda's writings. I appreciate his work immensely and have learned much through him and his internet presence. Having a career in electronics it is fascinating to explore other intense aspects of science, as well as some underlying principles of electronics itself. Intriguing and thought-provoking, I look forward to researching and exploring his works further as I age and grow. His inimitable, eclectic persona and accomplishments and his indomitable character will certainly live forever.

--- Jay Carlson
Maryland, USA

I had never heard of Richard P. Feynman until one evening while visiting one of my neighbors his name came up in regard to something that was said about using humor in the process of teaching. I was a math and physics teacher from the early 60s and later spent most of my career in industrial training. He loaned me two of his books to read. Now I am on the lookout for others.

Reading “Surely You’re Joking” and “What Do You Care What Other People Think” brought some delightful memories back for me. I regret that I never knew about him during my years of teaching nor for the opportunity to sit and have a chat with him.

His experiences in the investigation of the Challenger disaster was fascinating as he seemed to enjoy his investigations working from the top down. How sad that we are always taught to believe that the best way to explore is from the bottom up.

His Epilogue on The Value of Science in "What Do You Care...." ought to be required reading for all science students.

--- Dr. Roger Stembridge

I am a middle aged man who has always had an interest in Physics. I had heard of the name Feynman and his study of helium. At the local Barnes and Noble I purchased "Surely you're Joking Mr. Feynman. After reading this book I realized that his was a man that I would liked to have known. Even though his intellectual exploits speak for themselves. I feel that a man who does research on how to pick up women and then takes a sabbatical to learn how to play drums, would be a blast to hang with.

 --- Jim Croghan

Several years ago, an acquaintance of mine asked me which three people would I most like to have lunch with. I was surprised by the fact that I had never considered the question nor even been asked it before. My answer was: Nicholas Huslak, Adjmiral Hyman Rickover, and Richard Feynman. I then wondered why I had chosen those three people. I think the common thread is education. Mr. Huslak was my high school math teacher and had a remarkable knack (based on humor) for instilling great interest in the subject. Admiral Rickover was hated by many for his irascibility but respected by most for his quest for excellence in creating and running the US Nuclear Navy. Not so well known was his passion for excellence in the education of our youth. And finally, Dr. Feynman was, in my mind, the penultimate educator, period. I think it would have been very entertaining and educational to sit in on a discussion between these three people.

I never met Richard Feynman in person, but was lucky enough to have spoken with him by phone in his Cal tech office many years ago while I was employed at the Bettis Laboratory which was run under the cognizance of Admiral Rickover. The purpose of the call is not important now, but I feel very honored to be able to say that I have spoken with the great Richard Feynman.

--- Dr. Jay Smith

I'm an italian boy that is 17 years old. I read some of the Feynman's book and i knew his real personality. I love phisic and i hope to became a big scientist as Richard was and is now. Richard is the most important person for my scientific study, his personality get an example of who has fight against all in life for defend his teory and his ideals. Richard is the best. Richard is the best!!!!!

--- Luca R

I was born just 2 weeks after Feynman died. We never shared a breath. But when I learned about him from my high school physics teacher, who is very Feynman-like, I was enthralled. I now have all his books and continue to search for anything about him, his work, and his effect on others. Or course, he inspired me to press forward in the field of physics and hopefully I will make as big an impact has he did. Feynman, you are all with us.

---Phil Hochendoner
PSU Undergrad in Physics

I'll tell you an even funnier story.

Ages ago when I was in college, they made all the art majors take physics. Now this was a rather hopeful attempt at making us into deeper individuals albeit, in a way that only they could relate to. However, it was hopeless. "Brownian motion" became images of either young girl scouts selling cookies or brownies in space.  However, everyone did sit up when it came to an assignment which all of us could do.

We had to write about a physicist. One girl, who happened to look like a rock star's girlfriend, chose Richard Feynman.  She wrote him at Cal Tech, then called and left a message. His secretary called back. Sure, he'll talk to you. Come by his class.

So she went. Mind you, she was about 5'8", blonde, a knock out figure... gorgeous. She could have been a Vegas showgirl. So she's very nervous and she goes to his office.  He sees her. He's gobsmacked. Here's this creature that has dropped into one of his lectures from Cal State Los Angeles, a positively humble place that just happens to have someone who could be Rod Stewart's girlfriend if she had the inclination.  He is charming, funny, witty, and enthusiastic. He invites her to lunch at the anthenaeum, clearly enjoying the glances his nerdish colleagues are giving him. She's loving it too. He's telling her all sorts of stuff, has showed her pictures he's drawn of people.

At the end, he offers to draw her. She agreed. What flattery. He called several times. She had to work, or she was busy. He died a few months later. She was incredibly sad. She said that this was one of the most important days of her life.

--- Kanani Fong

Just read the book, The Day After Roswell, where Col. Philip J. Corso (Ret.) mentions Dr. Richard Feynman as one of the men in the world that the United States Army passes some material they found at the Roswell crash site to for examination, as he had a reputation of thinking outside the box. (Now out of this earth)

Low and behold I found out that this guy gave a theoretical speculative assessment of the possibilities of creating substances whose molecular structure was so condensed due to strands of supertenacity ---- a skin out of some fabric the military presented to me for his opinion as they were clueless as it was part of an alien space craft found in 1947.

He spoke at the American Physical Society then and years later won the Nobel Prize for his work.

I looked him up on Google and found that he was right. He exists and was a an outside the box man the US needed to get along.

 --- Stephen E. Lawrence
San Francisco, Ca

Many thanks to the Feynman family for publishing the collection of R. Feynman speeches and articles in the audio book entitled “The Pleasure of Finding Things Out.” I am truly enjoying the book and very much appreciate the effort and work involved in making this available to the general public.

 --- Alena Herrane

I read the books "What Do You Care What Other People Think?" And " Surely Your Joking, Mr. Feynmen". Way back, I think before he passed. 88 or 89 and I remember watching his story on T.V. And I was Crushed to hear of his passing. The books were a delight. He was just so great with his stories. I enjoyed every page . I need to get "Tuva or Bust". To this day I look at the books with fondness. And sadness that he never made it to TUVA. My Daughter has to do a report on a scientist. We are doing Richard P. Feynman. The Books Spoke to me, I tell ya he was staring at me from the bookshelf.(Smiles!) Anyway. So I was doing a search on him and found this site. Guess you guys finally made it to TUVA!! That is so Wonderful!! Can't wait to hear more..

 --- Lorette Homoki

I first became aware of Richard Feynman when I saw program on PBS about him. I instantly felt a connection and wanted to know more about him. I have read most if not all his books. I loved all of them even the ones I could not understand. If asked if I could meet three famous people who would they be? Number one would be Richard Feynman.

 --- Carol Mills

I absolutely love Feynman and the way he does physics. He's a very interesting guy who does not really make much sense, but that's why I love him. I'm now saving up to buy the "Feynman Lectures on Physics" and hopefully the rest of the Feynman collection!

--- Sara Mah
Singapore

My "connection" with Tuva is similar to Dr. Feynman's. I always loved geography and maps, and I had a globe when I was about 8 years old (25 years ago) that showed a curious little country squished between the USSR and Mongolia. Of course, no one I knew had ever heard of it or knew anything about it. I think I forgot about it for a few years until maybe high school when I looked for it on a map one day, for some reason I can't remember. Of course, by then, it was gone from maps and I started to think I had imagined it or was misremembering, or maybe my little child-sized globe had a mistake or something. Over the years, I did occasionally look for it when I'd see a new map or was in a library of maps, but never pursued it with too much determination, as far as I can recall. It wasn't until I saw the PBS? Nova? special on Dr. Feynman, and he told his story that I about fell out of my chair! It was a great feeling to see someone else with a simliar curiosity and made me wish I had pursued it as doggedly as he did.

I have since read his books and feel his way of thinking and understanding the world was very similar to my own (of course, despite having a PhD (Industrial Psychology) of my own, I don't believe I'm anywhere near his equal). I do try to convey the same way of discovery and learning on my own son (6 yo), and have even read some of Richard's books to him (though he can actually read it himself, already).

Anyway, I just wanted to say 'thanks' to Dr. Feynman's family and friends and that I feel blessed to have stumbled across the story of him and his life. Also, I was thrilled to hear Michelle made it to Tuva! I just saw the posting of the BBC special, I'll be sure to see it asap.

 --- Michael Olson

I was born in 1985 in Maisons-Laffitte, France.  The first time I heard about Richard is when I was 9.  I've always loved physics, I'm interesting in understanding things since I was a kid.  I didn't have nice parents to talk with, I grew up alone, until my brother was born.  I felt lonely, because nobody was interested in me, and in what I wanted to do, to be.

I knew I would like to be a physician later, I've always known that.  As I had no difficulty to understand English, my uncle bought me a book called "The Character of Physical Law." (not translated.).  It's a Feynman book.  I was 10, and I read it with passion.  Then, he bought me "The Strange Theory of Light and Matter", still written by Feynman.  That was a revelation, I was 11 and I wanted to understand everything.  I wanted to discover the beauty of the Universe, in poems, in physics and mathematics.

All that language was strange to me, and I tried to translate it.  When I came to high school, my life changed totally.  My knowledge and my conscience were developed, and I was able to understand much more things.  So, I read my uncle's offered books again.  That was a real revelation. It was like Feyman was in front of me, talking to me, with his nice and funny New-York accent.  That was GREAT!  My life had a sense.

I read many other books, of many other authors. I liked them too. Yes. But... Feynman is the physician and the man who tought me physics really. He gave me the courage to realise my dreams. My passion found a sense in his books. He was the teacher I wanted to have. He was.

I love him. I didn't know the man, nevermind, he was a great physician and a talented writer. He was, and is someone who gives you the trust to realise your dreams. Oh, I'm pretty sure that he has many defaults !! But the important is that he has these qualities : understanding, loving, humor and passion.

Today, I have a complete collection of his books, and I love watching some of his lectures on the internet.  Thanks to him, I am now doing my thesis, and I want to work on Quantum Mechanics.

Thank you, Mister Feynman. You are a great Human Being.

 --- Cathy Séjot

I came into college 2 years ago, planning on studying History, which lead me to Languages, which lead me eventually back to History, but then I encountered Astronomy, Geology, Physics...the list goes on. I picked up a copy of Classic Feynman, and the first thing I did was listen to the Audio CD that came with the book. I was amazed, Like so many other Scientists I admire, I realized that this was one that I would never be able to meet. It's funny, but I've never met him and just after an hour of listening to him, I feel as though I've known him my entire life. The world needs more Feynman's and Sagan's and Hubble's. We owe them more than anyone realizes.

--- Curtis Warren

Hi, I've read most of his works, and also what has been written about him by others. I don't understand about 90% of it but I'll keep reading till I do, if I ever will.

--- Mick

I'm an Electronics Engineer and have been teaching since I was 17 (I was born in 1970). I'm passionate about knowledge and ways to transmit it irreverently and practically! Sounds familiar? Yes, when I discovered about Prof. Feynman it was an instantaneous identification! I've read the book "Surely you're joking, Mr. Feynman!" and many others, along with many articles and some interviews. And then I found about his relationship with Brazil! I regret this wasn't at my time... Dick, thank you for your existence!

--- Adail Muniz Retamal (Brazil)

As a chemist, the name of Feynman was familiar to me. I graduated in 1973. But I did not know enough about his work.  At 33 I had to quit working in research labs. due to illness that left me weak, with brain damage, with amnesia of almost all previous years and almost all knowledge I had about what I studied. It was due to chronic intoxication with several chemical substances.  It was in maybe 2003 that the number 137 started to appear in my life (synchronicities, etc.) It is difficult to write this, since most people do not believe that these kind of signals may have a meaning. My family´s life has always had many "coincidences" and what we call "strange events". Well, I entered 137 in search engine, and found the fine structure constant and Richard Feynman´s extraordinary legacy. The most important constant. The to be discovered element 137 and its meaning.  That was very important to me.  Maybe about 15 years ago, it was the number 777, and about 12 years ago until now, 177, also 53. Still 137, 37, and 173 are around me several times a week.

 ---- Oksana Linde

My name is Lukasz T. Stepien. I began my adventure with physics in 1987, when I started the learning of physics in Primary School. My father gave me at that time the first volume of "Feynman's lectures on physics". I was charmed (and I am charmed still now) with these lectures. It is quite different approach to explaining of the physical laws for other people in comparison with traditional courses of physics. Several years ago, when I was being already physics student, I bought two parts of Feynman's autobiography. Independently on which his book I read, I always feel the unusual joy of living and of discovering of the laws of the nature, not only of physics. It helps very much, when I feel tired after coming back to home from the University.

--- Lukasz T. Stepien
Krakow, Poland

Although i am student of history I have always been very fond of Richard Feynman. I read many of his popular books while I was  growing up in Kashmir. And invariably I would share the Feynman anecdotes with my friends. In fact I was quite delighted when I heard that one of my friends' elder brother was in correspondence with Feynman.  Reading Feynman always fills me with enthusiasm and the desire to do something!

 ---Idrees Kanth
Srinagar, Kashmir

 ---Peter 5-11-2010

In 1964/65, when I was a graduate student in high energy physics at UCLA (and had to take quantum electrodynmics and discover the Feynman diagrams), I was a big fan of Richard Feynman. So people that knew about my craze told me that he was giving lectures in Physics on Wednesday afternoons at Hughes Aircraft in Malibu, California. So a group of us (maybe 10 total) would attend the Wednesday afternoon lectures. This was about the time he received the Nobel Prize in Physics (November 1965). I saved articles from the Los Angeles Times in my Feynman scrapbook (which I still have), and I still have all the lecture notes from the time I attended the Wednesday afternoon lectures somewhere in a bookcase in my basement.

I remember when he returned from the Nobel ceremony in Sweden how he devoted one of the lectures to telling us all about the Nobel ceremony. I remember it as if it were yesterday although it is now close to 50 years since all this occurred. Soon after he won the Nobel Prize, I had him autograph Volume I of his Feynman lecture notes (the big red book- or at least it used to be red). I had purchased all three volumes (and still have them in my bookcase in my living room). At one time, I was living overseas and came home to discover Volume I (which he had autographed) was all deteriorated and full of mildew (being stored for four years in my father-in-laws garage), so I went out and purchased a new Volume I. (I believe that was the same time that I purchased Volumes II and III - since they were never destroyed by any mildew.

 --- Barbara Jeffe

Once in a while you come across strangers that will completely move you.

The first of these strangers I remember vividly. He passed away 2 years before I became aware of his existence. But his legacy is so powerful, so liberating that it shaped me into the person I am today. The way he lived his life intrigued me. The recklessness, the que sera sera.

Today, I thought of this man again. I visited his tribute website, reread his books, watched videos of his old lectures, looked at the photos. I saw my name in the guestbook entry and realized that it has been 10 years since I wrote it. It has been 20 years since that train ride

What the hell do I have to care about what other people think.

Not a single day passes by since I first came across his book Surely You're Joking that I don't think of this line. I have done many things since. No longer a young girl pretending to be a sophisticated genius. I've lived life a little, as one would say, with an adventure or two to keep in my back pocket to be reminisced about when I am old and grey. Sometimes I am scared of the arrogance that this line carries within it, most of the time it pushes me to find that last hidden sliver of bravery to allow me to do things that I need to do, want to do. It's not an easy way to live, it got me into a lot of trouble that's for sure but today, it is the only way I know how to live.

And for that, I'd like to say thank you once again. Wherever you are, thank you.

--- Rafizah Amran

--- From James, 5/11/11

I have always loved Richard Feynman, mostly because he always had a sense of humor, even when he was being most serious. He made physics enchanting to me. ;-)

 ---Lesley C. Anderson 

The more I listen to him the more I fall in love with him and the more I miss him.

--- Angela Wilson

The first time I met R. feynman, I was in my first year as a student in physics. I discovered him by reading "surely you're joking M. feynman". After that, I became a huge fan and looked about every things on him, lectures, biographies... I remember, every times I had a problem about physics, my first thought was, ok what did Feynman think about it ?

I really would have met him.

 ---Florian Leglinel

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This page last updated Tuesday November 05, 2013.