NOBEL THOUGHTS: Mel Schwartz
Profound Insights of the Laureates
In 1988 Mel Schwartz received a Nobel Prize for Physics
for his work in discovering the muon neutrino.
Do you buy new cars or used cars?
A. I only buy new cars, because I don't want other people's problems. Besides, when I get rid of my old cars, I never tell anybody about the problems.
Do you like to drive?
A. Unfortunately I have no choice. I spent 25 years in which I drove 100 miles a day. That was 500 miles a week... 25,000 miles a year... 625,000 miles in the last 25 years.
Did I like it?
A. I don't remember a damn thing about it. I don't know if I like it. I just have to do it. I've actually spent 125 working days sitting behind the wheel of a car getting to work.
But I'll tell you what I like. I like driving in New York City, because I can act like a New York City taxi driver — but only when I'm using my wife's old car.
Do you prefer driving with the windows open or closed?
A. Closed. I don't want somebody reaching in and grabbing me by the tie in New York City. Windows closed, and doors locked.
Do you have any advice for young people who are entering the field?
A. Be aggressive, because in the end that's the only way you get ahead. That's meant partly in jest, but it's partly true. Try to make an impact so at the end people will know that you lived.
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