Sidney Altman is a Canadian-American molecular biologist, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1989 for his work on the catalytic properties of RNA. He is currently a professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Yale University. Altman is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Sidney Altman on education, religion, leadership.
I was born in Montreal in 1939, the second son of poor immigrants. — Sidney Altman
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. — Sidney Altman
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. — Sidney Altman
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. — Sidney Altman
The RNA World referred to an hypothetical stage in the origin of life on Earth. — Sidney Altman
Nevertheless, as is a frequent occurrence in science, a general hypothesis was constructed from a few specific instances of a phenomenon. — Sidney Altman
Indeed, we are privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to study Nature and to follow our own thoughts and inspirations in a time of relative tranquillity and in a land with a generous and forward-looking government. — Sidney Altman
It was from them that I learned that hard work in stable surroundings could yield rewards, even if only in infinitesimally small increments. — Sidney Altman
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. — Sidney Altman
Furthermore, neither of our research groups set out in search of RNA catalysis. — Sidney Altman
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. — Sidney Altman
By the time I reached high school my father's grocery store had made our life adequately comfortable and I was able to choose, without any practical encumbrances, the subjects that I wanted to pursue in college. — Sidney Altman
We are united in the hope that every individual will someday enjoy at least the intellectual privileges we have had, if not always the material advantages. — Sidney Altman
We are very fortunate to be recognized here in such an extraordinary manner for work that we enjoy. — Sidney Altman
The mystique associated with the bomb, the role that scientists played in it, and its general importance could not fail to impress even a six-year old. — Sidney Altman
Life Lessons by Sidney Altman
Sidney Altman's work showed the importance of collaboration and communication between scientists in order to make progress in the field. He also demonstrated the value of taking risks and pursuing unconventional research paths in order to make breakthroughs.
His work also highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of other researchers, even if they are not part of the same research team.
Finally, Altman's work demonstrated the power of perseverance and dedication to a cause, even in the face of opposition or setbacks.
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