The Making of a Genius: Richard P. Feynman

TL;DR

This paper examines how Richard Feynman's autobiographies and public image contributed to the perception of him as a genius, analyzing the historical context and societal factors shaping this image.

Contribution

It provides a historical analysis of Feynman's public image, linking autobiographical narratives to societal myths and perceptions of genius.

Findings

Feynman's autobiographies reinforced his genius image.

Public perception was shaped by societal myths of practicality.

Historical context influenced the genius narrative surrounding Feynman.

Abstract

In 1965 the Nobel Foundation honored Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, Julian Schwinger, and Richard Feynman for their fundamental work in quantum electrodynamics and the consequences for the physics of elementary particles. In contrast to both of his colleagues only Richard Feynman appeared as a genius before the public. In his autobiographies he managed to connect his behavior, which contradicted several social and scientific norms, with the American myth of the "practical man". This connection led to the image of a common American with extraordinary scientific abilities and contributed extensively to enhance the image of Feynman as genius in the public opinion. Is this image resulting from Feynman's autobiographies in accordance with historical facts? This question is the starting point for a deeper historical analysis that tries to put Feynman and his actions back into historical context. The image of a "genius" appears then as a construct resulting from the public reception of brilliant scientific research.