The discussion centers around seeking recommendations for books on astronomy, astrophysics, quantum mechanics, and string theory, particularly for someone without a formal physics background. The user expresses a strong interest in these topics despite studying economics and having limited formal education in physics. Several book suggestions are provided, including "Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics" by Stephen A. Gregory and Michael Zeilik, "Understanding Space" by Jerry Sellers, "Fundamental Astronomy" by H. Karttunen, and "Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 3," although it's noted that the Feynman Lectures may require a stronger foundation in physics and math. Additionally, the "A Very Short Introduction" series from Oxford is recommended for accessible overviews of various scientific topics. The user expresses gratitude for the recommendations and plans to seek out the suggested books.