Up until two or three years ago, I think very few people knew he was a native son. More recently, I think more people are aware of what a treasure we have.

It's a dream. It would need the support of just about every business in Greenville. But it could be spectacular. We're the only place on Earth that can claim the birthplace of the inventor of the laser.

I think everybody will take a look at the plaque and the statue, which depicts the moment of Townes' revelation that led to the invention.

Religion teaches you to try be able to stand up for what you believe in, even if other people don't agree with you, and that's important in science, ... That's happened on many number of occasions when that was a new idea in science and many people object to it and think it's crazy, especially if you're entering a new field. You have to think hard about 'Well, can you be right and if you're right be willing to differ with other people.'

I'm just very happy about this symposium. There are so many excellent people here, I'm enjoying it deeply.

Much public thinking follows a rut. The same thing is true in science. People get stuck and don't look in other directions.