Michael Polanyi

Date of Birth: March 11, 1891

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: February 22, 1976

Biography

Michael Polanyi was a Hungarian-British polymath who made significant contributions to physical chemistry, economics, and philosophy. Born on March 11, 1891, in Budapest, Hungary, Polanyi initially trained as a physician before shifting his focus to the physical sciences. His groundbreaking work in chemistry included the theory of adsorption of gases and the development of the transition state theory of chemical reactions. During the rise of Nazism, Polanyi relocated to the United Kingdom, where he became a professor at the University of Manchester. His later years were marked by a shift from science to philosophy, where he argued against the reductionist view of science, emphasizing the importance of tacit knowledge—knowledge that cannot be fully articulated but is essential for scientific discovery. Polanyi’s interdisciplinary approach and his contributions to various fields earned him widespread recognition. His work continues to influence contemporary thought in both scientific and philosophical communities.

5 Interesting Facts about Michael Polanyi

1. Michael Polanyi was originally trained as a medical doctor.

2. He was awarded the prestigious Royal Medal in 1962 for his contributions to science.

3. Polanyi’s son, John Polanyi, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986.

4. He was a vocal critic of central planning and argued in favor of free-market economics.

5. Michael Polanyi published over 200 scientific papers during his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Polanyi

1. “We know more than we can tell.”

2. “Science is an essentially human enterprise.”

3. “Theories are nets cast to catch what we call ‘the world’: to rationalize, to explain, and to master it.”

4. “Tacit knowledge is that which we know but cannot tell.”

5. “The stability of a free society is the product of a harmony between many different social and personal forces.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Michael Polanyi was not primarily known for amassing wealth, and his highest net worth is not well-documented. His legacy lies more in his intellectual contributions rather than financial achievements.

Children

Michael Polanyi had two sons, John Polanyi and George Polanyi. John Polanyi is a renowned chemist who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986. George Polanyi was a distinguished economist.