The forum discussion centers on the intrinsic pleasures of studying physics, emphasizing personal experiences rather than practical applications. Participants recommend several works, including "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out" by Richard Feynman, "Magnets" by Francis Bitter, and "A Cultural History of Physics" by Simonyi. The conversation highlights how deep engagement with physics can alter perceptions of everyday life, particularly through concepts like relativity and the speed of light.
PREREQUISITESHobbyist physicists, educators, and anyone interested in the philosophical and experiential aspects of studying physics will benefit from this discussion.
A good book on the history of the development of physics can draw the reader into the joy of discovery. I have enjoyed over the years books by Timothy Ferris, Carl Sagan and Feynman of course, there are too many to count. What kind of physics are you most interested in?Master Wayne said:As a hobbyist, studying physics is deeply pleasurable. Yet, I never seem to find anyone discussing this? Discussions on the merits of learning physics always focus on its practical utilites. Are you aware of any books or articles where physicists discuss the deep pleasures that come from studying physics? Only thing that comes to mind is The Pleasure of Finding Things Out.
Frabjous said:I think that you will want to look at autobiographical writings. Feynman wrote other autobiographical stuff. Everyone has their personal favorites.
I will recommend Magnets by Francis Bitter.
While it does not quite meet your request, if your library has A Cultural History of Physics by Simonyi, it is worth a gander.
True! I'm interested in all kinds of physics, but what I love the most is going deep on a topic and then returning to everyday life and seeing everything differently. I spent a couple of weeks on an almost altered state of consciousness after my first time learning about relativity. I always feel distinctly different during the day after a night of amateur astronomy, can't seem to shake the views of far away galaxies while sitting in traffic.bob012345 said:A good book on the history of the development of physics can draw the reader into the joy of discovery. I have enjoyed over the years books by Timothy Ferris, Carl Sagan and Feynman of course, there are too many to count. What kind of physics are you most interested in?
How fast do you think it should be?bob012345 said:What boggles my mind wrt Relativity is just how slow the speed of light is!
My statement was about human perceptions and I do not wish to get into a debate about what the speed of light should be. It is what it is.Vanadium 50 said:How fast do you think it should be?
Well it is fast, in the sense that there is nothing faster... so really your observation might be better stated, "the universe is really big"bob012345 said:it's really slow compared to the scale of the universe
I do not wish to change my observation because that is not what struck me. I'm just saying the fastest speed possible seems surprisingly slow to me.gmax137 said:Well it is fast, in the sense that there is nothing faster... so really your observation might be better stated, "the universe is really big"