THINKING ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICS IN XXI CENTURY (Rozdumy pro rozvytok fisyky u XXI stolitti)

The paper is written in form of essay containing the author's thoughts about physics of the bygone 20th century which was the century of physics. To support the thesis, the birth of quantum theory, the array of magnificent discoveries in physics made in 20th century and the role of physics in the technological development is discussed. As the author believes (agreeing in this with the Nobel prize winners John Bardin of the USA and Jores Alfyorov of Russia), there were three most outstanding events elevating the status of physics in 20th century: discovery of artificial nuclear fission (1938), discovery of transistor effect (1947), creation of laser, which history goes back to the hypothesis put forth by A.Einstein in 1917. The technological role of each of the above discoveries is shown. At the same time, the role of market-related factors in physics research is pointed out, along with warning that the contemporary science cannot be confined to research that can bring quick returns. At the conclusion part, problems to be dealt with by physicists in the near future are formulated, in form of the author's address to young people dreaming to be professional researchers in physics.