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The Seven Secrets of How to Think Like a Rocket Scientist
This book translates "thinking like a rocket scientist" into every day thinking so it can be used by anyone. It’s short and snappy and written by a rocket scientist. The book illustrates the methods (the 7 secrets) with anecdotes, quotations and biographical sketches of famous scientists, personal stories and insights, and occasionally some space history. The author reveals that rocket science is just common sense applied to the extraordinarily uncommon environment of outer space and that rocket scientists are people, too. It is intended for "armchair" scientists, and for those interested in popular psychology, space history, and science fiction films.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published November 24, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 12, 2020
Q:
I give seven secrets of how to think like a rocket scientist as active verbs: “Dream,” “Judge,” “Ask,” “Check,” “Simplify,” “Optimize,” and “Do.” (c)
Q:
“The only dumb question—is the one that isn’t asked.” (c)
I give seven secrets of how to think like a rocket scientist as active verbs: “Dream,” “Judge,” “Ask,” “Check,” “Simplify,” “Optimize,” and “Do.” (c)
Q:
“The only dumb question—is the one that isn’t asked.” (c)
September 7, 2016
بسم تعالی
بیایید آپولو هواکنیم!
مطالعه ای متفاوت در راستای جهت دادن و چطور جهت دادن به افکار و شیوه زندگی
و در ضمن کارآمد. در قالب هفت راهبرد کلی و پنجاه راهبرد جزئی .
این کتاب مخصوص دانشمندان فضایی نیست! مخصوص هوا کردن آپولو هم نیست.
نکاتی مهم برای موارد حتی پیش پا افتاده زندگی که بتوان آنرا به هوشمندی ماموریت های فضایی اداره کرد.
من که برای دوباره خواندنش برنامه ریزی کرده ام!
بیایید آپولو هواکنیم!
مطالعه ای متفاوت در راستای جهت دادن و چطور جهت دادن به افکار و شیوه زندگی
و در ضمن کارآمد. در قالب هفت راهبرد کلی و پنجاه راهبرد جزئی .
این کتاب مخصوص دانشمندان فضایی نیست! مخصوص هوا کردن آپولو هم نیست.
نکاتی مهم برای موارد حتی پیش پا افتاده زندگی که بتوان آنرا به هوشمندی ماموریت های فضایی اداره کرد.
من که برای دوباره خواندنش برنامه ریزی کرده ام!
July 24, 2026
It is understandable that this book was not written for amusement or even amazement. If one applies the book's teachings to daily life, it would undoubtedly beneficial, I believe.
However, the inclusion of terms like "secret" in the title gives off a rather tacky vibe, inexplicably evoking images of street-corner peddlers selling rat poison or quacks claiming Qigong can cure every ailment.
Based on personal experience, it seems that "how to think"—unlike "how to do"—cannot be mastered simply by relying on a skilled mentor or a precise set of operational rules. A more reliable approach, perhaps, would be to ensure—before one is even born—that one’s soul remains undisturbed, allowing one to calmly use the telepathic powers of the spirit to select parents who possess logical reasoning abilities. Once that step is achieved, the foundation for a life of high efficiency and great results is already laid. (Perhaps someone ought to write a "secret" guide titled *A Handbook for Reincarnation*?)
Honestly, reading too many books on "how to think" inevitably leads to a sense of fatigue. It is not that there is anything wrong with this particular book; it really comes down to the reader's own intentions and goals. If the principles emphasized in the book align reasonably well with the reader's temperament and habits, they might well spark some genuine improvement. Otherwise, finishing the book is just that—finishing it—much like reading the instructions for a gymnastics move one has no intention of actually attempting.
When undertaking any task, provided the goal is clear and the determination strong, one naturally mobilizes and assesses all available resources—both mental and material. If conditions are favorable, one proceeds; if they are lacking, one either settles down to "weave a net" (prepare the groundwork) or adjusts the goal based on current circumstances. Either way, the process unfolds naturally and logically, without the need for step-by-step, hand-holding instruction.
It is precisely for this reason that the transmission of a spiritual lineage—passing down the master's mantle—is initiated by the master seeking the disciple; it requires a very special karmic affinity. Aspiring apprentices often cannot gain entry without first enduring rigorous trials and tribulations.
However, the inclusion of terms like "secret" in the title gives off a rather tacky vibe, inexplicably evoking images of street-corner peddlers selling rat poison or quacks claiming Qigong can cure every ailment.
Based on personal experience, it seems that "how to think"—unlike "how to do"—cannot be mastered simply by relying on a skilled mentor or a precise set of operational rules. A more reliable approach, perhaps, would be to ensure—before one is even born—that one’s soul remains undisturbed, allowing one to calmly use the telepathic powers of the spirit to select parents who possess logical reasoning abilities. Once that step is achieved, the foundation for a life of high efficiency and great results is already laid. (Perhaps someone ought to write a "secret" guide titled *A Handbook for Reincarnation*?)
Honestly, reading too many books on "how to think" inevitably leads to a sense of fatigue. It is not that there is anything wrong with this particular book; it really comes down to the reader's own intentions and goals. If the principles emphasized in the book align reasonably well with the reader's temperament and habits, they might well spark some genuine improvement. Otherwise, finishing the book is just that—finishing it—much like reading the instructions for a gymnastics move one has no intention of actually attempting.
When undertaking any task, provided the goal is clear and the determination strong, one naturally mobilizes and assesses all available resources—both mental and material. If conditions are favorable, one proceeds; if they are lacking, one either settles down to "weave a net" (prepare the groundwork) or adjusts the goal based on current circumstances. Either way, the process unfolds naturally and logically, without the need for step-by-step, hand-holding instruction.
It is precisely for this reason that the transmission of a spiritual lineage—passing down the master's mantle—is initiated by the master seeking the disciple; it requires a very special karmic affinity. Aspiring apprentices often cannot gain entry without first enduring rigorous trials and tribulations.
September 6, 2011
For the sake of my sanity, I couldn't finish it. I don't know who told this man he could write, but all the chapters are choppy, say pretty much the same thing as the last, makes no sense whatsoever....I just can't do it. My husband is a Purdue grad from their Aeronautics/Astronautics school, so he can tell me all I need to know.
Mr. Longuski, stick to the writings you have to do as a professor. No one reads them, and it'll keep the suicide rate down.
Mr. Longuski, stick to the writings you have to do as a professor. No one reads them, and it'll keep the suicide rate down.
August 31, 2018
This book helped fuel my mind and furthered my interest in space exploration.
June 7, 2019
One of the best books i've ever read.
August 12, 2021
You feel happy by merely just read through the pages. It bring you into the cozy room of a Denmark house with fireplace and scented candle.
August 6, 2023
but lots of these are bs I can even tell...
January 23, 2013
Okay, a couple of caveats - this guy REALLY REALLY doesn't like the shuttle program. He loves NSA, JPL, Spirit, Opportunity (too earlier for Curiosity), Voyager and such. He just thinks the shuttle is the wrong solution for a problem not identified. And he makes some good points. But if the shuttle is your balliwick, don't even bother. He will infuriate you so badly won't be able to read the good stuff.
And there is good stuff. Not the least all the delicious and wonderous books he will point to you in his tales.
If you need a book to explain why rocket science nay, science is important, this is good starter book. Lots on why math isn't hard, why it sometimes is made harder and why it is important in the world (and yes, as something other than to make change). Why language and words are imporant - why even TLAs have their place. But how the language of math lets you solve problems by using lots of other people's talents.
If you need a book to break down the mystic and mythical Scientific Method as to steps, process, think, dream, build, etc., this is the book. He doesn't use those words but he takes the reader through what it takes to dream, evaluate,
simplify and DO. Just DO.
All mixed with an healthy "What would Spock do?", "do we need Kirk on a Mission to Mars?", "there is no try", and of course, "klaatu barada nikto".
Give it to your middle school kids to let them see Rocket Scientists have fun and do good, and that they could be one. Give it your bosses to explain why simplify is good and why tools need to be continually enhanced. Give it to your father to finally explain why you think some b-movies and bad scripts are so hysterical, and yet can be so serious about things like your job and rockets (or telephones, in my case) and STEM funding and space exploration.
And there is good stuff. Not the least all the delicious and wonderous books he will point to you in his tales.
If you need a book to explain why rocket science nay, science is important, this is good starter book. Lots on why math isn't hard, why it sometimes is made harder and why it is important in the world (and yes, as something other than to make change). Why language and words are imporant - why even TLAs have their place. But how the language of math lets you solve problems by using lots of other people's talents.
If you need a book to break down the mystic and mythical Scientific Method as to steps, process, think, dream, build, etc., this is the book. He doesn't use those words but he takes the reader through what it takes to dream, evaluate,
simplify and DO. Just DO.
All mixed with an healthy "What would Spock do?", "do we need Kirk on a Mission to Mars?", "there is no try", and of course, "klaatu barada nikto".
Give it to your middle school kids to let them see Rocket Scientists have fun and do good, and that they could be one. Give it your bosses to explain why simplify is good and why tools need to be continually enhanced. Give it to your father to finally explain why you think some b-movies and bad scripts are so hysterical, and yet can be so serious about things like your job and rockets (or telephones, in my case) and STEM funding and space exploration.
April 3, 2012
The book is divided in section:- dream, judge, ask, check, simplify, optimize, do.In each section there are chapters which explain the concept further to the reader.The chapters contain real world example so it's easy to relate and check the writer analysis of the situation which doesn't seems faulty.
The writing style is lucid. And as the writer suggest the book is for armchair thinker.However the difference of opinion may arrise as the writer is an advocate of rocket program and not of the shuttle program.The difference in opinion may farther lead to the point where the reader may totally reject the book.
The writing style is lucid. And as the writer suggest the book is for armchair thinker.However the difference of opinion may arrise as the writer is an advocate of rocket program and not of the shuttle program.The difference in opinion may farther lead to the point where the reader may totally reject the book.
February 15, 2013
This is a great book on practical innovation, and generally just getting things done. Although it takes the "Rocket Scientist" as the model (understandable, since Longuski is one), it largely avoids the trap of being elitist and sycophantic. It's just an honest and thoughtful analysis of how rocket scientists work, and presented almost like a pattern language for knowledge workers.
I wrote a reflection on the book called "Code like a Rocket Scientist" http://tardate.blogspot.com/2008/09/c...
I wrote a reflection on the book called "Code like a Rocket Scientist" http://tardate.blogspot.com/2008/09/c...
April 1, 2008
A quick read, I liked the short 'pearls of wisdom' format the author chose for the book. I was especially intrigued by his criticisms of NASA as of late. Good read all around, definitely whetted my appetite for his bibliography.
December 9, 2007
Quick and refreshing read with good advice for anyone trying to achieve anything extraordinary.
January 13, 2015
Quick read. It was not very deep, but it had some good general advice.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews