I should mention that while I was growing up, Einstein was presented as a worthy role model for a young boy who was good at his studies.

I was born in Montreal in 1939, the second son of poor immigrants.

Eight months later, having left Columbia, I was studying physics in a summer program and working in Colorado when I decided to enroll as a graduate student in biophysics.

For our immediate family and relatives, Canada was a land of opportunity.

About seven years later I was given a book about the periodic table of the elements. For the first time I saw the elegance of scientific theory and its predictive power.

I spent eighteen months as a graduate student in physics at Columbia University, waiting unhappily for an opportunity to work in a laboratory and wondering if I should continue in physics.

The RNA World referred to an hypothetical stage in the origin of life on Earth.

Nevertheless, as is a frequent occurrence in science, a general hypothesis was constructed from a few specific instances of a phenomenon.

My intention was to enroll at McGill University but an unexpected series of events led me to study physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The contemplative man always lives alone. Regardless of who may reside in his home, his is a solitary world.

One good thing about being young is that you are not experienced enough to know you cannot possibly do the things you are doing.

Your talent will open the door but only your character can keep you there.

Exceptional claims, require exceptional evidence.

I was doing sketches that were funny but socially irresponsible. I felt I was deliberately being encouraged and I was overwhelmed.

Losing love is like organ damage. It's like dying. The only difference is, death ends. This? It can go on forever.

I never had a doubt in my mind. I always knew that, with the right material, I could pop a hit.

I owe 'Jericho' my whole time in America, really. It was a fantastic group of people to work with.

Every man's the same, he wants the sunshine in his name.

But just the fact that he was sparkling leads me to doubt everything that happened.