James Bryant Conant (1893–1978,) an accomplished American chemist, educator, and public servant, held significant roles such as the President of Harvard University and the U. S. High Commissioner for Western Germany after World War II.
Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Conant earned A. B. and PhD (1916) degrees from Harvard. Following a year in the research division of the chemical warfare service during World War I, he returned to Harvard as an instructor in chemistry. Conant’s pioneering research in chemistry focused on the synthesis of complex organic compounds.
By the age of 38, Conant had risen to the position of department chair, and his numerous scientific papers contributed to advancements in understanding chemical reactions. His influential books, including Practical Chemistry (1920,) Chemistry of Organic Compounds (1933,) and Organic Chemistry (1938,) became standard textbooks in the field.
Conant’s impact extended beyond the laboratory. Serving as Harvard’s President 1933–53, he implemented progressive reforms and advocated for broader access to higher education. During World War II, Conant played a pivotal role in scientific and military coordination as the head of the National Defense Research Committee.
Post-war, he assumed the role of U. S. High Commissioner for Germany and later became the U. S. Ambassador to West Germany. Conant excelled in making science accessible to the nonscientifically trained, evident in works such as On Understanding Science (1947.) Notable books on educational policy include Education and Liberty (1953,) The American High School Today (1959,) Slums and Suburbs (1961,) and The Education of American Teachers (1963.) His autobiography is My Several Lives (1970.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by James Bryant Conant
Behavior which appears superficially correct but is intrinsically corrupt always irritates those who see below the surface.
—James Bryant Conant
Topics: Behavior
Each honest calling, each walk of life, has its own elite, its own aristocracy based on excellence of performance.
—James Bryant Conant
Topics: Effort, Performance
Some of mankind’s most terrible misdeeds have been committed under the spell of certain magic words or phrases.
—James Bryant Conant
Topics: Propaganda
The dignity of man is vindicated as much by the thinker and poet as by the statesman and soldier.
—James Bryant Conant
Topics: Dignity
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.
—James Bryant Conant
Topics: Courage, Discovery, Risk, Success, Achieving, Perspective
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