Recollections and Expectations

Abstract

Let me begin my own story with a little event from the time that I was 17 years old. My father who knew me very well, asked me what I wanted to become. I told him, after some hesitation, that, if possible, I’d like to become a scientist and, in fact, if possible, a physicist. Apparently, my father expected this answer because he was ready with the next question “How many jobs are there in our country (Hungary) for physicists?” I gave a somewhat exaggerated answer, and said “four”. We agreed that I should study chemical engineering.