Nobel Prize

"While originally it was a question of fitting in with as little strain as possible a new and strange element into an existing system... generally regarded as settled, the intruder... having won an assured position, now has assumed the offensive; and... is about to blow up the old system... The only question... is, at what point and to what extent this will happen."

"[O]ut of the classical theory the great principles of thermodynamics will not only maintain intact their central position in the quantum theory, but will perhaps even extend their influence."

"Societies based on human rights, democracy and the rule of law need strong anti-discrimination laws, which are properly applied, and policies to integrate minorities and protect their rights. We also need to tackle irresponsible political dialogue inciting people to hatred and prejudice."

"I am particularly concerned about the recent allegations of mass persecutions of LGBTI people in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. Discrimination and violence against LGBTI people is the worst kind of populism. Using minorities as scapegoats is unfortunately a growing trend. It is dangerous to democracy and governments must do all they can to stop it."