Kenichi Fukui Quotes & Sayings

This success led my theoretical group to the chemical reactivity theory, extending more and more widely the range of compound and reactions that were discussed. — Kenichi Fukui

Chemistry itself knows altogether too well that - given the real fear that the scarcity of global resources and energy might threaten the unity of mankind - chemistry is in a position to make a contribution towards securing a true peace on earth. — Kenichi Fukui

I was also interested in formulating the path of chemical reactions. — Kenichi Fukui

This simple idea served to provide information on the geometrical shape of reacting molecules, and I was able to make the role of the frontier orbitals in chemical reactions more distinct through visualization, by drawing their diagrams. — Kenichi Fukui

As is known worldwide, Japan has tried to catch up with the western countries since the beginning of this century by importing science from them. — Kenichi Fukui

We think that it is the best scientists working in the frontier fields of science who are best able to judge what is good and what is bad - if any - in the application of their scientific research. — Kenichi Fukui

In particular, for younger researchers on whom the future of mankind may depend. We believe that they are working with all the scientific wisdom at their disposal for the preservation of the inheritance of the earth and for the lasting survival of mankind. — Kenichi Fukui

We pray that every field of science may contribute in bringing happiness - not disaster - to human beings. — Kenichi Fukui

But the nature of my main work in chemistry can be better represented by more than 280 English publications, of which roughly 200 concern the theory of chemical reactions and related subjects. — Kenichi Fukui

The frontier orbital approach was further developed in various directions by my own group and many other scientists, both theoretical and experimental. — Kenichi Fukui

Japanese universities have a chair system that is a fixed hierarchy. This has its merits when trying to work as a laboratory on one theme. But if you want to do original work you must start young, and young people are limited by the chair system. Even if students cannot become assistant professors at an early age they should be encouraged to do original work.
... Industry is more likely to put its research effort into its daily business. It is very difficult for it to become involved in pure chemistry. There is a need to encourage long-range research, even if we don't know its goal and if its application is unknown. — Kenichi Fukui