The Nobel Prize
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Winner
http://www.basicfeynman.com/speech.html


        In 1965, Richard Feynman was one of three people who shared the Nobel Prize in physics (Sin-Itiro Tomonaga and Julian Schwinger being the other two.  This award was given "for their fundamental work in quantum electrodynamics, with deep-ploughing consequences for the physics of elementary particles". (Nobel)  Feynman gave a lecture entitled "The Development of the Space-Time View of Quantum Electrodynamics" which talks about his process of scientific investigation which led to winning the Nobel Prize in Physics.  A copy of this lecture for whoever may be interested is found here



        How many physicists have been put on a US stamp?  At least one.  In 2005, Richard Feynman and several of his Feynman Diagrams were featured on a 37 cent stamp.  He was honored in this way because according to the US Postal Service, "The iconic 20th century physicist Richard Feynman invented a method for calculating probabilities of particle interactions using depictions of all the different ways an interaction could occur.  Examples of "Feynman diagrams" were included on a 2005 postage stamp honoring Feynman."
stamp

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2013/12/feynman-stamp.jpg



Here is a transcription of Richard Feynman's speech when accepting the Nobel Prize in 1965.

"The work I have done has already been adequately rewarded and recognized. Imagination reaches out repeatedly trying to achieve some higher level of understanding, until suddenly I find myself momentarily alone before one new corner of nature's pattern of beauty and true majesty revealed. That was my reward.

Then, having fashioned tools to make access easier to the new level, I see these tools used by other men straining their imaginations against further mysteries beyond. There, are my votes of recognition.

Then comes the Prize, and the deluge of messages. Reports of fathers turning excitedly with newspapers in hand to wives; of daughters running up and down the apartment house ringing neighbors' door bells with news; victorious cries of "I told you so" by those having no technical knowledge—their successful prediction being based on faith alone; from friends, from relatives, from students, from former teachers, from scientific colleagues, from total strangers; formal commendations, silly jokes, parties, presents; a multitude of messages in a multitude of forms.

But, in each I saw the same two common elements. I saw in each, joy; and I saw affection (you see, whatever modesty I may have had has been completely swept away in recent days).

The Prize was a signal to permit them to express, and me to learn about, their feelings. Each joy, though transient thrill, repeated in so many places amounts to a considerable sum of human happiness. And, each note of affection released thus one upon another has permitted me to realize a depth of love for my friends and acquaintances, which I had never felt so poignantly before.

For this, I thank Alfred Nobel and the many who worked so hard to carry out his wishes in this particular way.

And so, you Swedish people, with your honors, and your trumpets, and your king—forgive me. For I understand at last—such things provide entrance to the heart. Used by a wise and peaceful people they can generate good feeling, even love, among men, even in lands far beyond your own. For that lesson, I thank you."  -Richard Feynman