The Meaning of It All

Apr 5, 2005
Paperback
US $13.95
CAN $17.00
ISBN: 9780465023943
ISBN-10: 0465023940
Published by Basic Books

Description

Many appreciate Richard P. Feynman’s contributions to twentieth-century physics, but few realize how engaged he was with the world around him—how deeply and thoughtfully he considered the religious, political, and social issues of his day. Now, a wonderful book—based on a previously unpublished, three-part public lecture he gave at the University of Washington in 1963—shows us this other side of Feynman, as he expounds on the inherent conflict between science and religion, people’s distrust of politicians, and our universal fascination with flying saucers, faith healing, and mental telepathy. Here we see Feynman in top form: nearly bursting into a Navajo war chant, then pressing for an overhaul of the English language (if you want to know why Johnny can’t read, just look at the spelling of “friend”); and, finally, ruminating on the death of his first wife from tuberculosis. This is quintessential Feynman—reflective, amusing, and ever enlightening.

Reviews

"Wonderful stuff! Feynman has a knack of making very profound points with simple ideas and anecdotes. The world has a lot to learn from such clear, uncomplicated thinking."
— Paul Davies, author of The Mind of God

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