The world has lost a giant in the field of physics. Chen Ning Yang, a Chinese Nobel laureate and one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century, passed away at the age of 103. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to scientific discovery and mentorship.
Born in 1922 in Anhui, China, Yang's intellectual journey began at Tsinghua University, where his father was a professor of mathematics. His ambition was clear from a young age: he told his parents, 'One day, I want to win the Nobel Prize.' And he did, at the age of 35, alongside fellow theoretical physicist Lee Tsung-Dao, for their groundbreaking work on parity laws and their implications for elementary particles.
Yang's contributions to physics are vast. He worked across various areas, but his passion lay in statistical mechanics and symmetry principles. His work with Lee led to the Nobel Prize, and he later received the Albert Einstein Commemorative Award in 1957 and an honorary doctorate from Princeton University in 1958. He was also a professor at Tsinghua University and an honorary dean at the Institute for Advanced Study.
Yang's personal life was as fascinating as his scientific achievements. He married his first wife, Chih Li Tu, in 1950, and they had three children. Tragically, she passed away in 2003. In 2004, he married his second wife, Weng Fan, who is significantly younger than him. This second marriage sparked some controversy, but it also highlights Yang's enduring spirit and his ability to find love at an advanced age.
Yang's journey from a young boy in China to a Nobel laureate is a testament to his brilliance and dedication. His passing leaves a void in the scientific community, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of physicists and scientists.
