Richard Phillips Feynman was born in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City, to Lucille (née Phillips), a homemaker, and Melville Arthur Feynman, a sales manager. His father, despite not being a scientist himself, instilled in him a deep sense of curiosity and a love for exploration.

From a young age, Feynman displayed a keen interest in understanding how things worked. He would often take apart radios and other devices to understand their inner workings, developing his practical problem-solving skills. His father encouraged this inquisitive nature through engaging games and discussions.

Feynman excelled in mathematics at Far Rockaway High School, where he began to develop his unique approach to problem-solving. He was considered a bright and promising student, recognized for his quick wit and sharp intellect.

Feynman attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an undergraduate student, initially studying mathematics before switching to physics. He thrived in the rigorous academic environment, immersing himself in advanced coursework and developing his theoretical physics skills. He published his first paper in the Physical Review during this time.

Feynman pursued his graduate studies in physics at Princeton University, where he worked under the supervision of John Archibald Wheeler. He developed innovative approaches to quantum mechanics and made significant contributions to the theoretical understanding of the subject. His time at Princeton was crucial in shaping his scientific thinking.