Meaning: This quote by John Pople, a renowned scientist and Nobel laureate, sheds light on the challenges faced by the families of scientists who are constantly on the move due to their work commitments. Pople, a theoretical chemist, is known for his contributions to the development of computational chemistry, and his words provide insight into the sacrifices and difficulties experienced by the families of scientists who are frequently changing jobs and traveling for work.

Pople's acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by his family highlights the impact of a scientist's career on their personal lives. The transient nature of the job, with frequent job changes, meetings, and lecture tours, can create instability and uncertainty for the scientist's family. The lack of a secure home base can make it challenging for family members to establish roots, maintain social connections, and pursue their own careers and interests.

The quote also underscores the importance of a stable and supportive home environment for making progress in one's professional endeavors. Pople acknowledges that without a secure home base, he would not have been able to achieve much progress in his scientific career. This acknowledgment speaks to the crucial role that family and home life play in providing the necessary support and stability for individuals to focus on their work and achieve their goals.

Pople's words also prompt reflection on the broader societal and institutional support systems available for scientists and their families. The demanding nature of scientific careers often requires individuals to prioritize their work, leading to potential strains on family life. Institutions and organizations can play a role in providing support for scientists and their families, whether through flexible work policies, family-friendly benefits, or resources to help families navigate the challenges of frequent relocations and travel.

Furthermore, the quote offers insight into the personal sacrifices made by family members in support of a scientist's career. The constant changes and time away from home can place significant emotional and practical burdens on family members, who may need to adapt to new environments, schools, and social circles with each job change or relocation. The quote serves as a reminder of the resilience and understanding required from family members to support the career pursuits of their scientist loved ones.

In conclusion, John Pople's quote provides a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by the families of scientists due to the transient nature of the profession. It highlights the importance of a secure home base for making progress in one's career and underscores the sacrifices and support required from family members. Pople's words also prompt considerations about the broader support systems available for scientists and their families, as well as the need for greater awareness of the personal and familial impacts of scientific careers.