Edward Teller

Date of Birth: January 15, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: September 9, 2003

Biography

Edward Teller was a Hungarian-American physicist who is best known for his work on the hydrogen bomb and his contributions to nuclear and molecular physics, as well as surface physics and spectroscopy. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Teller showed an early aptitude for mathematics and science, eventually earning his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Leipzig in 1930. He fled Europe in 1933 due to the rise of the Nazi regime, moving first to England and then to the United States. In the U.S., Teller became a prominent figure in the Manhattan Project during World War II, which culminated in the development of the atomic bomb. After the war, he was a significant advocate for the development of the hydrogen bomb, leading to his nickname, “the father of the hydrogen bomb.” He later played a vital role in the establishment of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and served as its director. Teller was a controversial figure, often clashing with fellow scientists over the ethical implications of nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, his contributions to science and defense were widely recognized, earning him numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He continued to be active in scientific research and policy until his death in 2003.

5 Interesting Facts about Edward Teller

1. Edward Teller’s advocacy for the hydrogen bomb led to a historic clash with J. Robert Oppenheimer, contributing to Oppenheimer’s security clearance revocation.

2. Teller was one of the founding members of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.

3. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003, just a few months before his death.

4. Teller was depicted in various films and TV series, including the 1989 film “Fat Man and Little Boy.”

5. Though known for his work in nuclear physics, Teller also made significant contributions to molecular physics and spectroscopy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward Teller

1. “The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.”

2. “Secrecy, once accepted, becomes an addiction.”

3. “Physics is, hopefully, simple. Physicists are not.”

4. “Two paradoxes are better than one; they may even suggest a solution.”

5. “A state-of-the-art calculation requires 100 hours of CPU time on the state-of-the-art computer, independent of the decade.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Edward Teller’s highest net worth was not publicly disclosed, but as a prominent physicist and advisor, he would have had a comfortable living supported by his academic positions and government grants.