  Dedicated to the centenary of the Ioffe Institute, the article contains the
shortest review of scientific achievements of the theorists of the institute
during this time. We concentrate mainly on research in the field of elementary
particle physics, astrophysics, nuclear theory and atoms. To obtain very
important scientific results became possible because outstanding theoreticians
worked at this Institute. The high level of research persisted in spite of
several mass moves of theorists - then to Kharkov, then to Moscow, then abroad.
The author can testify to the atmosphere that reigned in the FTI in person,
since he works at this institute since 1958. The article deals not only with
research activity, but also with the famous physics schools and their
outstanding cultural programs. We present also examples of extraordinary
successful activity of theorists far beyond the field of their narrow
specialization.
