Reboot Your Passion for Physics: Ideas to Get Started

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for rekindling interest in physics after a hiatus from study. Participants explore various approaches to re-engage with the subject, including reviewing foundational concepts and finding motivation to study again.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting from the beginning and reviewing all fundamental courses due to a loss of conditioning in the subject.
  • Another participant agrees on the need for a crash course in fundamentals and emphasizes the importance of discipline and motivation.
  • A suggestion is made to utilize the Feynman Lectures as a resource, although it is noted that additional materials may also be necessary.
  • There is a discussion about the need to define personal motivation, with one participant indicating that they must find it themselves, possibly through inspirational resources or encouragement from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of revisiting fundamental concepts, but there is no consensus on the best approach to rekindle motivation or the extent of review needed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the best starting point for re-engagement with physics, and there are differing opinions on whether a comprehensive review of all prior material is necessary.

sy7321
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Hello,

I used to be really passionate about physics and my degree fizzled out due to life problems. I need to dive back in and get interested again.

Any ideas? I keep trying to start from scratch but I think that's a poor idea.

I left off around Modern Physics / Quantum Mechanics and Differential Equations -- I should jump right back into those, right?

Looking for opinions about ways to reboot. Getting involved in a community sounds like a good start.
 
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You did not give much detail. You should maybe review EVERYTHING you studied because you lost your conditioning in everything. This means, start at the beginning for all the fundamental courses, and you might need to study on your own this way for at least a couple of years. Maybe also a return to school for some courses might be more useful, if you are allowed.
 
Yeah, I do need to have a crash course in the fundamentals again. This is going to take real discipline. I'll need to figure out how to get the motivation.
 
sy7321 said:
I need to dive back in and get interested again.
sy7321 said:
I'll need to figure out how to get the motivation.
First, you will have to define "need/motivation" for us; we can't do it all for you.
 
sy7321 said:
Yeah, I do need to have a crash course in the fundamentals again. This is going to take real discipline. I'll need to figure out how to get the motivation.
I think you need more Feynman:

http://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/
Couldn't hurt...but you need other stuff as well.
 
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Bystander said:
First, you will have to define "need/motivation" for us; we can't do it all for you.

I suppose I meant that. I have to find it, nothing you can do...maybe post inspirational links but that's about it. Or a pep talk. Lol.
 

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