Historical perspective and future prospects for nuclear interactions

The nuclear force is the heart of nuclear physics and, thus, the significance of this force for all of nuclear physics can hardly be overstated. Research on this crucial force has by now spanned eight decades and we are still not done. I will review the rich history of hope and desperation, which had spin-off far beyond just nuclear physics. After a summary of the current status in the field, I will also take a look at the future: Where will we stand 50 years from now? Will there ever be closure?