The 50 best phrases of Severo Ochoa
Severo Ochoa de Albornoz was recognized for being one of the greatest names in the world of medicine and science, thanks to his studies and experiments that led him to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Although he was a doctor of Spanish origin but he was later nationalized as an American, due to the conflicts in his country at that time.
In this article you will find a selection of phrases by Severo Ochoa from which to learn more about the life of this researcher.
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Severo Ochoa's most memorable phrases
Due to his professional and personal trajectory, this scientist left behind great thoughts on various life topics. Therefore, below we will review the most interesting reflections and quotes from Severo Ochoa.
1. Love is physical and chemical.
On the origin of love.
- You may be interested in: "What is love? (And what isn't) "
2. There has been a lot of discussion about what the mission of the University is. For me it basically means the same that, with his great clairvoyance and characteristic brilliance, Ortega defined more than fifty years ago. It can be summed up in a few words: that of spreading and creating culture. This is the way Cajal saw her.
A reflection on the role of universities in educating their students.
3. I was born in Asturias and for me "reality" begins naturally with Asturias.
He never forgot his birthplace.
4. Although I was born on a street in the town of Luarca near the church, my awareness of Asturias begins in the neighbor village of Villar, on the plateau that ends in a steep and beautiful cliff constantly beaten at its base by the sea.
Talking about the beautiful scenery of his native place.
5. When it comes to science, New York offers an impressive variety of seminars and conferences.
Taking New York as an epitome of scientific development.
6. Why be content with living in tow when we feel the yearning to fly?
Never stay with conformity.
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7. I always say that everything that contributes to increasing human knowledge must be done, even if it is not known what may come after it.
All positive or negative knowledge is necessary.
8. Consoling myself with Carmen's death would seem like a betrayal of her.
About moving on after the death of his wife.
9. It would be very difficult for my wife and I to get used to living elsewhere now.
After so many years, New York became his home.
10. Despite our long residence outside of Spain, we have been returning annually or biannually for many years now for periods ranging from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
What was once his home is now just a fond memory.
11. Science is always worthwhile because its discoveries, sooner or later, always apply.
The importance of science.
12. This does not mean that I have a bad time, no. I travel, listen to music, etc.
Bringing out the positive side behind everything. What matters is that we move forward.
13. There are scientists who are very religious, even extremely, and others who are not.
Personal religious beliefs should not be at odds with science.
14. We often go to Asturias, which we find more and more beautiful and welcoming. (…) In Asturias we had and still have very dear family and close friends.
A place that still means a lot to them.
15. Spaniards are intolerant, they want others to think like them.
A criticism of the attitude of some Spaniards in his time.
16. That did not fall from the sky, it fell from the greatest scientific personality that Spain has had and one of the greatest the world has ever had, which was Don Santiago Ramón y Cajal, and for the readings of his plays.
Good things are achieved through our effort, preparation and perseverance.
- Related article: "The 70 best phrases of Santiago Ramón y Cajal"
17. In principle, the investigation needs more heads than means.
Many investigators do not seek fame.
18. That's where we spent the summer as long as I can remember. To the south, the mountain, soft, with every imaginable shade of green; to the north, the Cantabrian Sea, calm to blue at times, more often gray, blackish and threatening.
A very memorable and peaceful summers.
19. I've gotten used to going on living because I'm too much of a coward to get out of the way.
His true motivation for holding on to life after his wife passed away.
20. My wife, Carmen Cobián, is also Asturian, from Gijón. We got married, in Castizo Asturian, in the cave of Covadonga.
A particular aspect that both had in common.
21. I was madly in love with Carmen all my life.
A love that lasted the entire time they were together and beyond.
22. There is a defense investigation, what in the United States is called classified, that is, secret.
Talking about America's tendency to classify many of its studies as secrets.
23. Over the years my memory returns to Villar, where I had saturated my senses with "Nature" and where my mind later began to mature and my spirit was shaped by reading and the study.
The environment that marked him for life and the one that brought him the most peace to evoke in his memory.
24. My first memories are of Asturias, specifically of Gijón and Luarca.
Talking about their place of origin.
25. No city can offer so much in every facet of cultural and intellectual life.
A reference to life in New York.
26. I don't believe in the supernatural.
Being firm in the face of his nonbeliefs.
27. I no longer work, but I talk a lot with young scientists, I advise them if necessary.
The way he lived in the last years of his life.
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28. Time is busy. But I have no interest in life.
The way he felt the reality of him after the loss of Carmen.
29. Now, when one is investigating, one does not think much about whether the application of his discoveries can be dangerous.
Many simple or innocent discoveries ended up being lethal weapons.
30. In Gijón, during the winter, he went to school, in Luarca he spent the summer.
The way his youth unfolded.
31. Naturally, one must try to prevent the use of what can be harmful to humanity.
Any scientific discovery that is detrimental to humanity must be contained.
32. I have dedicated myself to researching life and I do not know why or what it exists for.
Life is a perpetual mystery.
33. I am not looking for easy consolation. I prefer not to have consolation.
Her idea of coping was coping.
34. Every time I answer negatively to a question of this type I receive a lot of letters trying to convince me that I am wrong.
On the replies to the comments that showed his disagreement.
35. My wife was a believer, I was not; but we always live very happy, respecting our ideas.
Our adherence to a religion is not an impediment to disrespecting the beliefs of others.
36. In the beginning, when we had more energy, we didn't miss any important exposures.
Showing the adventurous enthusiasm they had as a couple.
37. There I began to read original research papers in a French magazine, the Journal de Physiologie et Pathologie Génerale, to which he had subscribed me when I was studying the second year of medicine.
His first approach to science and medicine, of biographical interest.
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38. A woman can change the life trajectory of a man.
The impact one person has on another.
39. Despite the difficulties inherent in life in big cities, I do not regret it.
Although the metropolises are full of noise and hustle and bustle, it was there that Ochoa found his place.
40. And now life without her is not life.
One of Seero Ochoa's quotes about the pain of loss of a loved one.
41. In these moments, when the scientific literature has grown so much that it is impossible to keep up with progress, Even in your own field, seminars, conferences, and other meetings are essential to stay informed.
Things are constantly changing and therefore we need to search for information on a daily basis.
42. My basic truth is that all time is an expanding now.
His way of observing time.
43. Man first learns in life to walk and to speak. Later, to sit still and keep your mouth shut.
About staying calm and prudent in the moments most necessary.
44. It was never a problem, and we weren't trying to convince ourselves. Sometimes she would forget to go to mass and I would tell her: "Carmen, the mass ..."
Ochoa's interaction with his religious wife.
45. That happens in many countries. Although I do not believe that anyone forced to work in those places, because a scientist cannot be forced to do what he does not want. But there are people who are asked for that dedication with moral blackmail... And when the so-called patriotism is after bad business ...
Talking about manipulation towards scientists.
46. Of course, the scientist has to have ethical approaches.
Ethics must be an essential part of scientific work.
47. I believe that those who consciously collaborate to develop something for destructive purposes, as happened with the atomic bomb, are reprehensible.
A reference to the actions of some scientists seen from a moral point of view.
- Related article: "Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development"
48. I have lived in New York for half my life.
New York as your second home.
49. We often visit not only the museums, but also the art galleries of the city. Furthermore, we rarely missed a chamber music recital, a play, or a symphonic or choral concert.
The daily and busy life of Ochoa with Carmen.
50. I believe that we are that, and nothing else, physics and chemistry.
What, according to the scientist we really are.