Question 1: What were your reasons for studying physics?

Reinhard Scherm, former PTB Department "Fundamentals of Physics and Metrology": After grammar school, I first wanted to study chemistry, then electrical engineering. But then I met a student of physics who told me that not only four geniuses but also 100 normal persons studied physics. That was it.

Uwe Keyser, former PTB Department "Focal Points of Experimental Research": It was out of mere curiosity. I wanted to get to the bottom of things.

Annette Paul, PTB Working Group "Enviromental radioactivity": Because the development and the laws of our universe have always fascinated me.

Ernst O. Göbel, President of the PTB: Because I was (and still am) curious

Albert Einstein (1897 - 1955): Einstein’s intentions (at the age of 16): In case I am lucky enough to pass my examinations, I would like to go to Zurich. There I would like to study mathematics and physics for four years. Then I would like to become a teacher in these fields of natural science, I will choose theory. My intentions are based on the following reasons: First of all my leaning towards thinking in abstract and mathematical terms and my lack of phantasy and practical skills [...]. Moreover, scientific activities have a certain independence – which I like very much.”

Andreas Bauch, PTB WorkingGroup "Unit of time": I had expected that for my studies, and even more my later working life, knowledge, proper judgement, patience and staying power would be necessary, whereas communication, appearance and spontaneity would be of lesser importance. At school I inwardly envied those of my classmates who could speak incessantly without having to say something. I often felt that – before opening my mouth - I first had to think. Today I am somewhat disillusioned.

Gesine Grosche, PTB Working Group "Unit of Length": During my studies of mathematics and natural sciences, I became aware that my way of thinking was most similar to that of physicists. Not the subjects treated or the problems were decisive, but the methods.

Niels Bohr (1885 - 1962): This was never a question for Bohr. “In 1903, I graduated from the Gammelholm High School and started to study physics at the Copenhagen University.”

Marie Curie (1867 - 1934): “I was interested in literature [...] as well as in sociology and in science in general. During my busy years [as a private tutor to be able to finance my studies], however, I gradually tried to discover my real talents, and so I finally turned towards mathematical subjects and physics. Of course my lonesome studies abounded with difficulties. The scientific education I received at grammar school was rather incomplete, so I tried to fill the gaps by reading books which accidentally fell into my hands. This method was not very efficient. It had, however, the advantage that I got used to work independently and that I also acquired a certain knowledge which later was of great value to me.”

Werner Heisenberg (1901 - 1976): After having read Weyl’s “Raum-Zeit-Materie,” the future professor of mathematics was said to have already been spoiled for mathematics anyway.” “This is why I gave up my intention to study mathematics. After disappointing discussions with my father, I decided that I could try to study mathematical physics just as well.”

Hermann von Helmholtz (1821 - 1894): For financial reasons, Helmholtz was not in a position to study physics, but he felt he was “born to be a physicist.”