Quotes from Charles Hard Townes

I strongly believe in the existence of God, based on intuition, observations, logic, and also scientific knowledge.

When God said "Let there be light" he surely must have meant perfectly coherent light.

Much public thinking follows a rut. The same thing is true in science. People get stuck and don't look in other directions.

The development of science is basically a social phenomenon, dependent on hard work and mutual support of many scientists and on the societies in which they live.

In many cases, people who win a Nobel prize, their work slows down after that because of the distractions. Yes, fame is rewarding, but it's a pity if it keeps you from doing the work you are good at.