Getting Along with a Little Help from My Friends

Abstract

The successful launching of the Russian satellite, Sputnik, in October 1957 changed the course of American Science and my future. The shock waves reached my high school in Freeport, N. Y., a complacent suburb on the south shore of Long Island notable for its easy access to New York City and Jones Beach State Park. The school was uninspiring---its heroes were the athletes and cheerleaders, who were objects of admiration and respect especially by those outside their circle.