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It's About Time (05) by Mermin, N David [Paperback (2009)]
It's About Time (05) by Mermin, N David [Paperback (2009)]
Paperback
First published September 12, 2005
30 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 12, 2021
Although it is written for Americans who don't seem to grasp the superiority of the SI system that has been adopted by the rest of the world for good reasons, this is very good introduction to general relativity. Just don't laugh to hard when the author defines lightspeed with feet. I mean of course everything becomes relative when you use feet. How long are your feet and how long are the feet of your professor? Questions over questions not answered in this book. Still very good. Let's just hope that in the upcoming 2nd American Civil War the winning side adopts the metric system. Thanks for reading my very stupid review of a very good book.
Want to learn general relativity? Read this book!
Want to learn general relativity? Read this book!
March 3, 2016
Quite a good introductory texts, and the part on geometry and spacetime is especially nice. Will read this again once mastered basic relativity.
May 22, 2021
A great introduction to relativity!
August 15, 2025
I loved this book! It provides a fantastic entry point into Einstein's special theory of relativity by starting with the basics and carefully adding layers of complexity. The author does a great job of minimizing the required math, but it's definitely a book that makes you think hard and really wrestle with the concepts to let them sink in.
While parts of the chapters on spacetime geometry and E=mc
2 were a bit tough to get through, the key takeaways were crystal clear:
* The speed of light is always the same, no matter who is measuring it.
* Objects get shorter in the direction they are moving.
* Time passes slower for things that are moving.
* Two events that seem simultaneous to one person might not be for another.
* The "interval" between events in spacetime is something everyone can agree on.
* Mass and energy are interchangeable. Mass is just stored energy.
Philosophically, the concept of relative frames of reference is a powerful metaphor—a reminder that individuals can perceive the same events in entirely different ways. It’s a compelling life lesson on the importance of perspective.
Overall, its a dense read (without physics/maths background), but worth checking out if you are intrigued by relativity.
While parts of the chapters on spacetime geometry and E=mc
2 were a bit tough to get through, the key takeaways were crystal clear:
* The speed of light is always the same, no matter who is measuring it.
* Objects get shorter in the direction they are moving.
* Time passes slower for things that are moving.
* Two events that seem simultaneous to one person might not be for another.
* The "interval" between events in spacetime is something everyone can agree on.
* Mass and energy are interchangeable. Mass is just stored energy.
Philosophically, the concept of relative frames of reference is a powerful metaphor—a reminder that individuals can perceive the same events in entirely different ways. It’s a compelling life lesson on the importance of perspective.
Overall, its a dense read (without physics/maths background), but worth checking out if you are intrigued by relativity.
April 16, 2020
Inspiration and insights about time! It's relative - understanding Einstein. Achieve a higher levevl of success in business and life by reading this book. Karen Briscoe, author and podcast host 5 Minute Success
March 31, 2015
Really helpful for someone who has never learned about relativity before. Want to read it in more depth when I get the chance.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews