Atom Quote by Michio Kaku
“One day I went up to my mom and I said, 'Mom, can I have permission to build a 2.3-million electron-volt atom smasher - a betatron - in the garage?' And my mom stared at me, and she said, 'Sure. Why not? And don't forget to take out the garbage.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Future of Physics, 2015
A child asks for permission to build a complex scientific device, and the mother’s supportive yet practical response highlights the balance between imagination and everyday responsibilities.
In simple terms: Kids can dream big, but parents remind them of daily chores.
Encourage curiosity while staying grounded.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- home science projects
- school labs
- family discussions about goals
- teaching practical life skills
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we nurture bold ideas without ignoring practical limits?
- What role should parents play in guiding ambitious projects?
Support may overlook safety or feasibility concerns.