Has Anyone read "Physics For Future Presidents"?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the book "Physics For Future Presidents," exploring its relevance and accessibility for laypeople, as well as its connections to political and current issues. Participants also reference related literature, such as "Limits of Growth" and "Energy for Future Presidents."

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants find "Physics For Future Presidents" to be an easy read that effectively explains the intersection of physics, chemistry, and politics.
  • One participant suggests the title could be expanded to include "and Future Cabinet Members," indicating a broader audience for the book.
  • Another participant shares a personal anecdote about reading "Limits of Growth" during a relevant historical context, highlighting its themes of resource management and environmental issues.
  • Concerns are raised about the book being potentially dated and possibly containing inaccuracies, with references to its updates and controversies over the years.
  • Several participants express interest in related works, particularly "Limits of Growth" and "Energy for Future Presidents," indicating a desire to explore further literature on similar topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the book's accessibility and relevance for laypeople, but there are differing opinions regarding its current authority and accuracy. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the book's impact and the validity of its predictions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the book may be outdated and reference its historical context and controversies without resolving these issues.

Avner
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I met a physics professor at my college, who recommended this book to me for an easy read. If your interested in how knowledge of physics and chemistry are interwoven in politics and current issues, then you would like this book. I think I bought it for $3 on eBay.
 
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Yes, it’s pretty good at explaining things for laypeople. However they should expand the title to include “and Future Cabinet Members”.

When I as in college we got to read the book Limits of Growth that talked about our limited resources and how we can dispose of our garbage in a respectful way rather than landfills or ocean dumps.

What was funny was the US was hit with a major gas crisis with stations running out of fuel and long lines the second week of the course. The crisis ended when our ten week course ended and we suspected our profs had something to do with it. :-)
 
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Yes, I am currently one of those laypeople, so great book for me! I will have to check out "Limits of Growth".
 
I read most of the book during cross-country flights about 10 years ago after a family member recommended it for the policy and political science discussions.
 
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Avner said:
Yes, I am currently one of those laypeople, so great book for me! I will have to check out "Limits of Growth".

Its probably dated by now and probably no longer the authoritative source that it was. I think there were some major inaccuracies too.

there's a wikipedia article on it, its controversies and its impact. It also was updated every five years or so by the Club of Rome. Its an interesting to see how folks tried to tear down its gloomy predictions for personal reasons that are now coming true although not exactly as the book predicted.

Limits to Growth publ 1972 report by Meadows, Meadows, Randers and Behrens.
 
Avner said:
Has Anyone read "Physics For Future Presidents"?
No, but I read "Energy for Future Presidents" last year and highly recommend it.
 
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russ_watters said:
No, but I read "Energy for Future Presidents" last year and highly recommend it.
Just bought. Thanks.
 

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