Memory
“Do Your Own Thing”
One of Eyring’s characteristics that has had a lasting effect on me is his invitation to all to join in the process of research, including his awareness that people of all ages and experience can make contributions to knowledge. He was always aware that his own work is not perfect; it can and should be improved. One illustration of this attitude occurred several times in his classes:
In the midst of lengthy derivation, as Henry carried them out on the blackboard in front of the class, anyone could feel free to correct an error. Sometimes class members would suggest that one more of the assumptions in a theory could be improved. Henry’s response after a short discussion was quick and sincere: “Here is some chalk and there is the sideboard. See what you can do with it!” In this way he avoided bogging the class down into any number of possible by-paths, but left individuals free to “do their own thing” if they chose to do so.
Another: A group had assembled at his car in preparation for a 40-mile trip to Ogden. All were to be speaking at scientific meetings at Weber State College. As he settled into the driver’s seat, Henry spoke somewhat as follows: “Gentlemen, I expect each of you to speak out if you see any dangerous situation developing on the highway. I’m driving the car, but I can’t see everything. Your lives are in this car just as much as mine is, and you should feel free to help me whether you’re in the front seat or the back seat.”