Richard P. Feynman

Richard P. Feynman (1918–1988) was an American theoretical physicist, Nobel laureate, and beloved educator. Read his biography, major contributions, and inspiring quotes—and learn lessons from his curious mind.

Introduction

Richard Phillips Feynman (May 11, 1918 – February 15, 1988) is one of the most celebrated and charismatic physicists of the 20th century. He made foundational contributions to quantum electrodynamics (QED), developed the intuitive and widely used Feynman diagrams, participated in the Manhattan Project, and became a public figure through his lectures, books, and playful curiosity.

Feynman’s personality—mischievous, bold, and nonconformist—helped popularize physics for a wide audience. His belief in honesty, doubt, and relentless exploration made him a model not just for scientists, but for anyone passionate about learning.

Early Life and Family

Richard Feynman was born in New York City on May 11, 1918, to Melville Arthur Feynman, a sales manager, and Lucille (née Phillips), a homemaker.

He had a younger sister, Joan Feynman, who later became a noted astrophysicist.

As a child, Feynman was known to have a strong inquisitive streak. His father encouraged him to observe, ask questions, and figure out how things worked.

He grew up in the borough of Queens, New York.

Feynman was a late talker—he did not regularly speak until after his third birthday—but soon made up for it with his curiosity and intellect.

Youth and Education

Feynman attended Far Rockaway High School in Queens.

By his teenage years, he was deeply self-teaching mathematics. He taught himself calculus, infinite series, analytic geometry, and more before entering college.

He went on to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned his undergraduate (S.B.) in physics.

He then pursued graduate studies at Princeton University, completing his Ph.D. in 1942 under the supervision of John Archibald Wheeler.

His doctoral dissertation was on the principle of least action in quantum mechanics.

During his education, he already showed flair for deep physical insight, playful thinking, and unconventional approaches to problems.

Career and Achievements

Work on the Manhattan Project & Early Research

During World War II, Feynman was recruited to the Manhattan Project to work on nuclear weapon development at Los Alamos Laboratory.

His roles included overseeing computing groups (human “computers”), devising safety protocols for enriched uranium, and calculating neutron behavior.

He also spent time at Oak Ridge, helping ensure that enriched uranium storage would not accidentally go supercritical.

After the war, he moved into academic positions—at Cornell and later Caltech—where much of his lasting work would be done.

Quantum Electrodynamics, Feynman Diagrams & Famous Contributions

One of Feynman’s most celebrated contributions is in quantum electrodynamics (QED), the quantum theory of how light and matter interact.

He introduced the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, giving a novel perspective on how quantum systems evolve.

He also invented Feynman diagrams, pictorial representations of particle interactions, which have become a universal tool in particle physics.

He explored problems in superfluidity (particularly helium), contributing to our understanding of quantum fluids.

He also speculated about computing and information, presaging ideas in quantum computing and nanotechnology.

Teaching, Writing & Public Influence

Beginning in the early 1960s, Feynman developed and delivered undergraduate physics lectures at Caltech, which were later compiled into The Feynman Lectures on Physics.

These lectures became legendary for their clarity, insight, and breadth, and are still widely used by students and physicists.

He also became known for his popular writing and public engagement. His books—such as Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! and What Do You Care What Other People Think?—blend personal anecdotes, humor, and physics insight.

In 1974, he gave a famous address on cargo cult science, emphasizing scientific integrity, skepticism, and honesty: "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool."

The Challenger Commission & Later Years

In 1986, after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, Feynman was appointed to the Rogers Commission investigating the cause.

During a televised hearing, Feynman famously demonstrated that O-ring material lost resiliency at low temperatures by immersing it in ice water. That demonstration helped expose management failures and technical risk oversight.

He was critical of the institutional biases and overconfidence within NASA. As he wrote: “For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for nature cannot be fooled.”

In his later years, Feynman confronted cancer (liposarcoma, and later other conditions). He continued working and lecturing until his health deteriorated.

He passed away on February 15, 1988, in Los Angeles, California.

His last words reportedly were:

“I’d hate to die twice. It’s so boring.”

Historical Milestones & Context