Bringing together a rich assortment of quotations by Nobel Prize winners, ‘The Impossible Takes Longer’ lends itself as easily to browsing as to research purposes. David Pratt has been collecting quotes from Nobel laureates since 2003, and chose for this book his favourites. Words of wisdom from literature, peace and economics winners feature prominently, but Pratt has made sure those awarded the prize for physics, chemistry and medicine are also well represented. As a result, this anthology brings to light some more obscure, but no less relevant, bons mots.
Entries grouped by topic are prefaced with brief introductions by Pratt that prove as thought-provoking as the quotes themselves. From Achievement to Emotions, Science and Technology to Time, Life and Death, the quotations touch on a wide range of subjects. A section of aphorisms on the Nobel that highlights laureates’ reactions to winning the award, and to the attendant pomp and circumstance, provides a sort of metacommentary (‘It is as good as going to one’s funeral without having to die first, ‘ said Emily Balch [Peace, 1946]).
Three appendices, including a history of the Nobel, mini biographies of the laureates quoted and a comprehensive list of laureates, enhance the volume’s utility as a research tool. A keyword index makes finding that apropos quote simple. The enduring observations of these 249 Nobel laureates will delight and enlighten the reader repeatedly.
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