The discussion centers around the attribution of the phrase "Shut up and calculate!" with conflicting claims about whether it originated from Richard Feynman or Paul Dirac. A participant expresses confusion after reading a Wikipedia article that credits Dirac, despite a personal belief that Feynman is the source. The reliability of Wikipedia is questioned, with comments suggesting it can contain errors due to its editable nature. There is a broader commentary on the nature of scientific discourse, with some participants expressing disdain for outspoken scientists, suggesting that they often complicate matters with unnecessary rhetoric. The conversation also touches on the importance of citation and the perception of scientists' opinions compared to those of other groups, such as "hippies." Overall, the thread highlights the complexities of attributing quotes in science and the varying attitudes toward scientific communication.
