Meaning: Walter Kohn, an Austrian-born American theoretical physicist, made this statement in reference to his plans to pursue nuclear physics, specifically the structure of the deuteron. The deuteron is a nucleus of deuterium, which is a stable isotope of hydrogen containing one proton and one neutron. Kohn's interest in nuclear physics reflects his early research pursuits and his contributions to the understanding of the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei.

Kohn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for his development of the density functional theory, a computational quantum mechanical modeling method used in physics and chemistry to investigate the electronic structure of atoms, molecules, and condensed matter. His work in this area has had a profound impact on the field of condensed matter physics and materials science. However, Kohn's initial interest in nuclear physics, as mentioned in the quote, sheds light on the trajectory of his scientific career and the diverse areas of physics that he explored.

In the context of the quote, Kohn's mention of reverting to nuclear physics suggests that he had originally intended to concentrate on this field before ultimately pursuing other areas of research. This highlights the fluidity and evolution of scientific interests, as researchers often shift focus and explore different avenues of study throughout their careers. Kohn's remark also underscores the interdisciplinary nature of physics, as his background in nuclear physics likely contributed to his later work in theoretical and computational physics.

Kohn's statement provides insight into the early stages of his scientific journey and the intellectual curiosity that drove his research endeavors. It also offers a glimpse into the process of scientific inquiry, where researchers navigate through different fields and topics before finding their niche and making significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge.

Kohn's eventual shift from nuclear physics to the development of density functional theory exemplifies the capacity for scientists to make groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in areas that may differ from their original plans or areas of expertise. This flexibility and openness to new avenues of exploration are essential traits of successful scientists and contribute to the dynamic nature of scientific progress.

The quote serves as a reminder of the importance of being open to new opportunities and embracing change in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Kohn's willingness to adapt and redirect his focus ultimately led to his influential contributions to theoretical physics, demonstrating the value of intellectual flexibility and the potential for unexpected discoveries to emerge from shifts in scientific direction.

In conclusion, Walter Kohn's quote about his initial plans to revert to nuclear physics provides a glimpse into the early stages of his scientific career and the evolving nature of scientific exploration. It underscores the interdisciplinary connections within physics and the potential for unexpected shifts in research focus to lead to significant contributions. Kohn's journey from nuclear physics to the development of density functional theory serves as a testament to the dynamic and transformative nature of scientific inquiry.