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"
The pleasure of studying physics lies in the satisfaction of understanding the fundamental laws and principles that govern our universe. It allows us to make sense of the world around us and provides a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.
Studying physics can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. It requires critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a strong foundation in mathematics. With dedication and perseverance, anyone can learn and enjoy studying physics.
Studying physics can benefit you in many ways. It can improve your problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and analytical reasoning. It can also open up career opportunities in fields such as engineering, research, and technology.
A strong foundation in mathematics is essential for studying physics. Many concepts in physics are described using mathematical equations, and understanding these equations is crucial to understanding the principles of physics. However, with dedication and practice, anyone can improve their math skills and excel in studying physics.
There are many ways to make studying physics more enjoyable. One way is to connect the concepts you are learning to real-life examples and applications. You can also try studying with a group or finding a mentor who can help explain difficult concepts. Additionally, taking breaks and engaging in other activities can help prevent burnout and keep studying physics enjoyable.