I am a student From India now working on my PhD in chemistry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. I am also deeply interested in the history of modern physics, and Hans Bethe was one of my favorite scientists. Saddened by his passing, I wrote a 12-page, spur-of-the-moment biography, mostly from my memory of the things I had read and heard about him. To me, Bethe will always be an exceptional example of the ideal scientist-citizen. He set the standards for the rest of us both in his scientific work and in his efforts towards arms control.
The influence of science and scientists really transcends time, nationalities, and generations. Every person on the street may not be familiar with Bethe and his work, but I am certain that he and others of his stature have, in many subtle ways, inspired young people like me to pursue careers in science and to be more conscientious citizens of the world. I believe that this often unseen, subtle, and deep influence of science and scientists fuels the engines of conscience and progress. Those who want reassurance about the enduring benefits of science as an instrument of rationality and social enlightenment need not look very far.
