Motivation/Overwhelming amounts of information

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The discussion centers on the challenge of managing a vast array of advanced physics topics, specifically QCD and M-theory, while feeling overwhelmed by the prerequisites. The individual is currently engaged in multiple projects including a Differential Geometry series, studying General Relativity, Quantum Field Theory (QFT), and Topology, with plans to enroll in Quantum Mechanics (QM) courses from MIT OpenCourseWare. There is a strong desire to maintain focus on General Relativity and QFT, as they are seen as essential for understanding QCD and String Theory. The participant expresses frustration with the extensive math prerequisites and seeks a more efficient way to grasp the necessary concepts, such as summaries of subjects and guidance on partial differential equations (PDEs). The conversation highlights the importance of foundational courses in QM for future studies, while acknowledging the temptation to explore the vast resources available in open courseware.
BiGyElLoWhAt
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I could have also titled this thread so much to learn, so little time.

I don't know what to do, I really want to get into QCD and M-theory, but I know I need a lot more prereq's before I get to that point. I am feeling really impatient, however. and that's led me to try to get into a lot of stuff by myself. Now I have too much on my plate, and I don't know what to keep/get rid of.

Current projects:
Differential Geometry series on youtube.
General relativity (Relativity, the special and the General by good ol' Al himself)
QFT self study through various sources
Topology and Manifolds through various sources
Planned on enrolling in QM I from MIT opensourceware
Then planned on continuing through QM II into QFT and String Theory (string is the ultimate goal with this series)
QCD (recently reinvigorated by the pentaquark acclaimation)

And all of this will hopefully lead me to T.O.E. (after reworking Strong/weak and EM, don't ask me how yet, hehe)

This is just too much for me to handle, and I don't know what to keep and what to ditch. I'm inclined to keep the youtube series, mostly because I'm a good bit into it (10 hours or so)

I really want to keep GR because that's what I believe the TOE will look like in the end.
QFT and QM are necessary for QCD, String, etc...

The math is all prereqs that I don't necessarily enjoy working through, at least more than a bit. It would be nice if there was a summary of the subjects, that would allow me to look up proofs and explanations to things that didn't seem self explanatory.

I want to get into PDE's as well, but I'm not really sure how. I've gotten in touch with my prof to hopefully help with guidance in that field, but any advice would be appreciated.

Sooo PF, What do?
 
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Keep Quantum. I had Prof. Barton Zwiebach live and in person back in the day. He is awesome.

I really recommend working through QM I, QMII, and QMIII.

Both beautiful and foundational for many downstream courses and theories.
 
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Thanks doc. I'd really like to keep them all haha. There's also more i'd like to take. There opencourseware is so vast and inviting
 
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