You must be joking, Mr. Feynman.

-If you enjoy life with curiosity, the results will follow-

point

Curiosity is a weapon

Life becomes more enjoyable when you fully embrace your curiosity.

Richard P. Feynman. 1918-1988. American physicist. Participated in the Manhattan Project.

This is the autobiography of Nobel laureate physicist Richard Feynman. He writes that when people hear the name "Feynman," they should remember him not for the Manhattan Project or the Nobel Prize, but as "a man consumed by curiosity." And this book is full of fascinating anecdotes fueled by that curiosity.

For example, one moment he's a scientist, and the next he's driven by intense curiosity to become so engrossed in gambling that he suddenly apprentices himself to a professional gambler at a casino. And for some reason, he even ends up accompanying a ballet at an international competition as a bongo drummer. Or, when he develops a strong interest in hallucinations, he doesn't hesitate to enter even a somewhat frightening sensory deprivation device. Feynman had a wide range of interests and was also very proactive.

He also seriously discusses educational theory. He argues that there are many educational methods, but people's abilities don't improve as much as expected, and there are many ways to rehabilitate criminals, but the number of criminals doesn't decrease. He claims that education up to now is cargo cult science, and that it lacks an important essence. He says that this essence is scientific conscience, and that it is important to judge and pursue things objectively.

The first volume covers his childhood and his apprenticeship as a physicist, including episodes from the Manhattan Project to the end of the war. The second volume explores Feynman's growth as a physicist, touching upon his involvement not only in physics but also in society and art. It's a fascinating autobiography.

Thank you for reading. Goodbye for now. Take care :)

Author: Richard P. Feynman Translator: Masako Onuki Paperback: 343p Publisher: Iwanami Shoten

First reading completed on 2009/10/9