Science a GoGo's Home Page Forums General Discussion Not-Quite-Science Forum Opportunity lost.

Some fellas from work were going out to Santa Fe Institute and I asked if I could tag along. Great trip, but far too short.

Anyways, they do "tea" at SFI and we had arrived just as they were starting. I have to say that these are some of the most thoughtful people I've ever met in a professional setting.

Anyway, they have a small galley in which their researchers can gather to snack and talk about whatever strikes their fancies. Our guides take us in and there's these two old guys chatting away. I would usually just walk up and shake, but I stare at one of them - he looks familiar, but I can't quite place him. Then I realize I'm staring and look back to my comrades. A minute or so goes by and the old guys leave, after which our guide says "That was Murray Gell-Mann."

Hi TFF:

I never heard of the fellow so I thank you for bringing him to life.

"Murray Gell-Mann Winner of the 1969 Nobel Prize in PhysicsMurray Gell-Mann, a Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, at the Nobel Prize Internet Archive."
almaz.com/nobel/physics/1969a.html - 9k - Cr

Is it any way possible that someday they will require the return of Noble Prize honors when they learn the achievment was not so worthy?
jjw

I doubt it. Most of the people who get it deserve it, although it's arguable there are others who might deserve it more.

OTOH, for Murray G-M, I don't think there's much doubt he deserved it.

jjw asks:
"Is it any way possible that someday they will require the return of Noble Prize honors when they learn the achievment was not so worthy?"

Not a chance. Nobel's are awarded years after the work has been published and verified. For example the Chemistry prize relates to work published 5 years ago.

PS: If you find Gell-Mann interesting get a copy of his book "The Quark and the Jaguar."