Meaning: John Pople, a renowned theoretical chemist and Nobel laureate, made this statement about his decision to leave England and move to the United States. In this quote, Pople reflects on the difficult decision to leave his home country and the mixed feelings that accompanied it. He acknowledges the pain of leaving England and expresses lingering regrets about the choice, while also emphasizing the superior research environment for theoretical chemistry in the U.S. This quote sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of decisions made by scientists, particularly when balancing personal attachments with professional opportunities.

Pople's decision to leave England was undoubtedly a significant one, as it involved uprooting his life and career to relocate to a new country. The emotional weight of such a decision is evident in his description of it as "painful" and his acknowledgment of lingering regrets. This sentiment is relatable to many individuals who have faced similar choices that necessitate leaving behind familiar surroundings and personal connections. The decision to leave one's home country is often accompanied by a complex mix of emotions, including apprehension, sadness, and a sense of loss.

Despite the emotional difficulty associated with leaving England, Pople's assertion about the research environment for theoretical chemistry in the U.S. underscores the professional considerations that factored into his decision. As a theoretical chemist, Pople's primary concern was likely to find an environment that offered the best opportunities for advancing his research and making significant contributions to his field. His assessment that the research environment for theoretical chemistry was "clearly better" in the U.S. suggests that he prioritized professional growth and development in making this decision.

It is worth noting that Pople's comments reflect a common dilemma faced by many scientists and academics who must weigh personal and professional factors when making career decisions. The pursuit of scientific knowledge and the desire to make meaningful contributions to one's field often require researchers to seek out the most conducive and supportive environments for their work. In Pople's case, the perceived advantages of the research environment in the U.S. evidently played a decisive role in his choice to relocate.

Moreover, Pople's statement also speaks to the broader issue of the global mobility of scientists and the impact of international collaboration on scientific progress. The movement of scientists across borders has long been a driving force behind the exchange of ideas, methodologies, and expertise in the scientific community. Pople's decision to move to the U.S. not only reflects his personal career trajectory but also underscores the interconnectedness of the global scientific community and the ways in which the exchange of knowledge across borders can enrich scientific pursuits.

In conclusion, John Pople's quote about leaving England and the research environment for theoretical chemistry in the U.S. encapsulates the complex interplay of personal and professional considerations that often shape the decisions of scientists. It highlights the emotional weight of leaving one's home country while also emphasizing the importance of finding a research environment that fosters professional growth and advancement. Pople's experience serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of career decisions in the scientific community and the global dynamics that shape scientific progress.