Enrico Fermi was born in Rome, Italy. His father, Alberto Fermi, was a division head in the Ministry of Railways, and his mother, Ida de Gattis, was an elementary school teacher. From a young age, Enrico displayed exceptional aptitude for mathematics and physics, quickly devouring textbooks far beyond his age level. This early intellectual curiosity and self-directed learning would characterize his entire career.

Fermi earned admission to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, bypassing the entrance exam with his exceptional knowledge. He excelled in physics and mathematics, often teaching his professors about new developments in quantum mechanics. He simultaneously attended the University of Pisa, where he officially received his doctorate in physics in 1922. This period solidified his foundation in theoretical physics and set the stage for his future research.