“Why Do We Do Physics? Because Physics Is Fun!”

Abstract

In this informal memoir, the author describes his passage through a golden age of elementary particle physics. It includes not only his career trajectory as a theoretical physicist but also his excursions into experimental physics and particle accelerator theory. While his successes are highlighted, some unsuccessful efforts are included in the narrative as well. Those “losers” were arguably as pleasurable as the less-frequent “winners.” Since retirement, the author has become interested in gravitation theory and cosmology—a new golden age. This activity is also briefly described.