Richard Feynman, the genius physicist often mentioned alongside Einstein as one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, was also known for his eccentric personality. In 1965, he was selected to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work in redefining quantum mechanics. However, he almost refused the prize simply because he found the idea of traveling to Sweden too bothersome.
His wife, realizing his stubbornness, came up with a clever way to persuade him.
“Honey, who would ever turn down such a prestigious award just because it’s inconvenient?”
“But if I go, I’ll have to meet so many people, do interviews . . . just thinking about it wears me out. I’d rather spend that time doing research.”
“Well, if you don’t go, it’ll actually cause you more trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
“If you refuse to attend, you’ll become the first person in history to reject a Nobel Prize. Then, reporters from all over the world will flood in, trying to find out why. Handling all that attention will be far more exhausting than just going to the ceremony.”
Thanks to his wife’s wise and strategic persuasion, Richard Feynman ended up accepting the Nobel Prize without further protest.