Boxed Set Of Pleasure Of Finding Things Out & Meaning Of It All by Richard P. Feynman

by Richard P. Feynman

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Physics, Philosophy, Biography, Essays, Geek

Paperback

Published January 1, 1748

About the author

Richard Phillips Feynman was an American physicist known for the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, the theory of quantum electrodynamics and the physics of the superfluidity of supercooled liquid helium, as well as work in particle physics (he proposed the parton model). For his contributions to the development of quantum electrodynamics, Feynman was a joint recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965, together with Julian Schwinger and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga. Feynman developed a widely used pictorial representation scheme for the mathematical expressions governing the behavior of subatomic particles, which later became known as Feynman diagrams. During his lifetime and after his death, Feynman became one of the most publicly known scientists in the world.

He assisted in the development of the atomic bomb and was a member of the panel that investigated the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. In addition to his work in theoretical physics, Feynman has been credited with pioneering the field of quantum computing, and introducing the concept of nanotechnology (creation of devices at the molecular scale). He held the Richard Chace Tolman professorship in theoretical physics at Caltech.

-wikipedia

See Ричард Фейнман

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always heard that Richard Feynmann was the "bad boy" of the early quantum physicists (If a physicist can really be described as such). I had tried listening to one of his lectures, and though he was an engaging teacher, I was missing two things: a view of the blackboard he was writing on and any sort of understanding of what he was talking about.

This is a series of short essays, speeches and interviews done by (or on) Feynmann. Some of the science of it was beyond me, but generally this was an interesting read. Feynmann was a character, and his talk on working on the Manhattan Project was actually quite funny. He becomes a safecracker, a building inspector and he and his wife befuddle the government censors.

The real character revealed is that of Feynmann's father, Ivan. He instilled a curiosity and way of thinking logically that has carried with Feynmann, and enabled him to contemplate the deep mysteries of physics. Ivan Feynmann also instilled a distrust of authority which is plainly passed on. Ivan told his son that the only difference between a man people obey and the men obeying is "epaulets", meaning authority didn't count for much.

Ivan Feynmann is felt many times in these pieces and I found his story as compelling as his son's. Brush past any difficult math you might encounter and there are a lot of powerful ideas in this book, some way ahead of their time.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

The individual pieces in this book were interesting or entertaining but they weren't the best of Feynman that I've read. In fact, the book bills itself as the best of his shorter works but some of the pieces were transcripts of interviews so they really weren't his works at all.

As individual pieces they were fine but together reading them back to back they were disjointed. I'd say this book is fine for people who are going to read it piecemeal but all in a row it isn't that great.

[C.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

For years and years, in almost every science book I've read, my favorite authors have been singing the praises of the great Richard Feynman. There's no one like him, the greatest teacher of physics, the one truly indispensable personality of modern science, etc, etc. And yet, for whatever reason, I'd never sat down to read any of his work before.

It's always nice not to be disappointed.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of Feynman lectures and interviews. Some are quite interesting, like his lecture on learning how not to fool yourself. Others are crowd favorites that I'd read elsewhere before. Overall, it's enjoyable but I had hoped that there would be more discussion of how Feynman actually did science.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great first-time Feynman book for anyone. The book includes parts of his other books and tons more. Nothing is too long, which keeps it interesting. I think this was my third book by him and it's been interesting to see certain themes emerge from his writings. I love how much he emphasizes the importance of doubt and uncertainty over and over.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it's not just something to fly through; essays on physics aren't the easiest thing to read. But, Feynman has lived a fascinating life and is clearly brilliant. And there aren't too many people who had personal influence on the atomic bomb, nanotechnology, the Challenger space shuttle investigation, AND win a Nobel Prize. Pretty awesome.

[liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

do i ever wish feynman was my next door neighbor. we'd sit outside on a summer's day, pop open refreshing beverages and i'd start up a three hour listening session with, "hey, richard, what do you think about (fill in the blank)?"

[Mike S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable collection of essays, this is a very brief but good introduction to Feynman. For such a brilliant guy it's surprisingly practical and down to earth, and I really like the attitude he had towards life. Altogether a really enjoyable read, I'll definitely read more by this author.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of discovery. It will go over most people's heads but even so, it's a great collection of essays.

--Wag--

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another compilation of short works of Feynman; I had already read many of these in other sources, so there were only a few new-to-me chapters, and nothing outstanding.

[Cavo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many many good chapters with good insights. Some chapters were transcripts of speeches or tv/radio.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another one that's been in process for a while. This is a number of essays, anecdotes, and lecture transcriptions by a really bright guy.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Feynman has such a wonderful outlook on life and it is really fun to read about his views on certain things. I'd really like to read more of his work now.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers much of the same material as Gleick's biography, but it's still a good read and worth checking out if you're interested in learning more about Richard Feynman.

[Trevor Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not his best book, or compilation, it was very readable. I really enjoyed hearing more of his stories about Los Alamos. Also, his lecture on Science and God was really good.

[Alexander]

Collection of articles and lectures by Richard Feynman. Very interesting and clearly explained ideas. I would suggest to read this book to every scientist and engineer.

[Meggen S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Physicists are not as heartless as I once thought.

[Tapani Aulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veikeitä tarinoita miehestä jonka mielestä kaikki on kiinnostavaa.