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Decode the genius of Richard P. Feynman, one of the most prolific minds of the 20th century. His reflections will reveal how to nurture talent and achieve success.
Summary of “Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!”
You’ll learn
- The chronology of Richard P. Feynman’s life
- What lies behind the Manhattan project
- About Feynman’s passion for safecracking
- Whether a scientist can be an artist
Table of content
- Summary of “Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!”
- About the author
- What is “Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!” about?
- Who should read “Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!”
- Topics in “Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!”
first key point
Guided by the joy of physics
Listen the first key point
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Before we fully jump down the rabbit hole of Richard Feynman's adventures, let's get better acquainted with his personality, scientific contributions, and the exact timeline of events described in the following chapters.
Feynman's journey began in 1918 in Far Rockaway, a small town near New York City. He spent his formative childhood years there, learning to explore and appreciate the wonderful world around him. In Far Rockaway, Richard Feynman discovered his love and passion for physics, which guided and motivated him throughout his entire life.
He left his hometown in 1935 to study at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The four years at MIT solidified his feelings about physics and helped him navigate the scientific world. In 1939, he went on to study at Princeton, which turned out to be a life-altering experience for a young scientist. One of the professors there recruited him to join the Manhattan Project — the bid to create the first-ever atomic bomb.
This project took him to Los Alamos, where he spent three years working non-stop at a maddening and impossible pace. Afterward, he worked as a professor at Cornell for a few years before accepting a similar position at Caltech (California Institute of Technology) in 1952. This university was Feynman's final destination and where he conducted his most valuable research.
Feynman's journey began in 1918 in Far Rockaway, a small town near New York City. He spent his formative childhood years there, learning to explore and appreciate the wonderful world around him. In Far Rockaway, Richard Feynman discovered his love and passion for physics, which guided and motivated him throughout his entire life.
He left his hometown in 1935 to study at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The four years at MIT solidified his feelings about physics and helped him navigate the scientific world. In 1939, he went on to study at Princeton, which turned out to be a life-altering experience for a young scientist. One of the professors there recruited him to join the Manhattan Project — the bid to create the first-ever atomic bomb.
This project took him to Los Alamos, where he spent three years working non-stop at a maddening and impossible pace. Afterward, he worked as a professor at Cornell for a few years before accepting a similar position at Caltech (California Institute of Technology) in 1952. This university was Feynman's final destination and where he conducted his most valuable research.
Sometimes the smallest decisions can lead to the most unexpected and exciting opportunities. One of the keys to success is the courage to try new things.
Richard Feynman is also a laureate of many prestigious awards in his field, including the Albert Einstein Award, Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award, National Medal of Science, and, most notably, the 1965 Nobel Prize in Physics, which was the pinnacle of his career.
Feynman's legacy lives on even now, long after his untimely death in 1988. Though a controversial figure, he is undoubtedly an invaluable member of the scientific community because of his all-consuming and infectious passion for physics. In the following chapters of this summary, you'll have the unique opportunity to open the doors to the famous scientist's most exciting and fun adventures.
Did you know? Sheldon Cooper, the main character of the popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory, was Feynman's devoted fan, and many of his adventures and quirks were inspired by Feynman's actual biography. The scientist and his work are also constantly referenced in the show.
Feynman's legacy lives on even now, long after his untimely death in 1988. Though a controversial figure, he is undoubtedly an invaluable member of the scientific community because of his all-consuming and infectious passion for physics. In the following chapters of this summary, you'll have the unique opportunity to open the doors to the famous scientist's most exciting and fun adventures.
Did you know? Sheldon Cooper, the main character of the popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory, was Feynman's devoted fan, and many of his adventures and quirks were inspired by Feynman's actual biography. The scientist and his work are also constantly referenced in the show.
second key point
Feynman’s life-long puzzle drive
As a kid in Far Rockaway, Richard Feynman gained a reputation as a pro at fixing radios. His ability astonished everyone, but for Feynman, every task was simply a puzzle that needed solving. It was a matter of understanding what's inside, noticing the problem, and then fixing it: simple logic, extraordinary drive, and nothing else. Once Feynman saw a problem or a puzzle, he had to solve it no matter how long it took. This riddle drive that he developed as a kid is noticeable in all aspects of Feynman's life and is one of the main reasons for his success.
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third key point
Art and physics — polar opposites?
fourth key point
Los Alamos: the place to be
fifth key point
Knowing is not the same as understanding
sixth key point
Education is a “win-win” for students and teachers
seventh key point
Conclusion
What is “Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!” about?
Who should read “Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!”
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