As the big word "GENIUS" printed on the cover page might suggest, the author might be trying to explain the genius behind this remarkable scientist, Richard Feynman, who is reputed for the birth of Quantum Electrodynamics. The first few chapters of this book are devoted to Richard's life, centering on his academic life in MIT and subsequently Princeton University. His life was also...
more As the big word "GENIUS" printed on the cover page might suggest, the author might be trying to explain the genius behind this remarkable scientist, Richard Feynman, who is reputed for the birth of Quantum Electrodynamics. The first few chapters of this book are devoted to Richard's life, centering on his academic life in MIT and subsequently Princeton University. His life was also considerably affected by World War II, as he was part of the Oppenheimer's team in a race against other countries to produce the world's first atomic bomb. This man was described by his peers as being imaginative, with a preference for reconstructing physics theories from first principles, a liking for understanding the universe in an intuitive manner rather than through abstract means, and a tenacity to search for answers. Do these contribute to his achievements, ranging from being able to study calculus ahead of his classmates when he was a child, to being the first few scientists who successfully able to explain one intriguing aspects of quantum mechanics which earned him a nobel prize?
The concept of genius brings forth to our mind people like Mozart, Einstein, Dirac, Hadyn and so on, but what really makes them remarkable? Are people being remarkable because of a stroke of luck that rise them to fame quickly, or is it due to many years of hard work that crystallise into results that awe the rest of the world? This is one of the few questions that the closing chapter of this book is trying to address. As it sounds, the chapter tones down what has been going around for many centuries the hype around genius, and leaves the readers to decide for themselves.
I find this book readable, but it might be difficult for readers who have little prior knowledge about physics. This book also chronicles the progress of physics, with the main focus on Quantum Mechanics, whose workings has been eluding the scientists even till now. Serious notes aside, the book also displays the emotional aspects of Feynman's life as it brings its readers through Feynman's personal life. How he courted Arline, married her and stayed by her bedside during her remaining days. His presence in South America not only as a scientist, but also a tourist immersing himself in the local culture. On the whole, I find this book well-balanced, and would be a great read.
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