Becoming a Great Theoretical Physicist by Gerard 't Hooft

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Gerard 't Hooft's guide on becoming a theoretical physicist has sparked discussion regarding its effectiveness and purpose. While some users find it helpful, particularly the book recommendations, others argue that it serves more as a list of topics for independent study rather than a comprehensive guide. The title is seen as a contrast to his other page on becoming a bad theoretical physicist, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. The guide highlights the necessity of rigorous learning and understanding in the field, countering the prevalence of unqualified opinions in physics discussions.
icma
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Hey,
I came across (http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theorist.html) in which Gerard 't Hooft has written a guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist and was wondering if anyone is using it, and if so d'you like it?
 
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I used it a little and it worked okay.
I'd use the books from the book list at the end over the lecture notes given in the main list though.
AND make sure you have some kind of background in basic f=ma type physics and some basic calulus.
 


icma said:
Hey,
I came across (http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theorist.html) in which Gerard 't Hooft has written a guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist and was wondering if anyone is using it, and if so d'you like it?

I don't really see it as a guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist. That is a very misleading statement, it is more of a list of topics to touch if you were independently learning.
 


Nano-Passion said:
I don't really see it as a guide on becoming a good theoretical physicist. That is a very misleading statement, it is more of a list of topics to touch if you were independently learning.

I think the reason he titled it 'how to become a good theoretical physicist' is to constrast his 'how to become a bad theoretical physicist page' http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theoristbad.html
 


genericusrnme said:
I think the reason he titled it 'how to become a good theoretical physicist' is to constrast his 'how to become a bad theoretical physicist page' http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theoristbad.html

Oh that makes sense. There are people out there who demand that we listen to their crackpot statements and that it is cult like to not listen to people outside of their field. But they don't it math is the language of physics, so if your speaking english the whole time then your speaking bullsh--. T'hooft's page highlights that and shows that there are many years down the path to actually start speaking physics and mathematics.
 

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