What material is best for a novice seeking knowledge about the world around us?

[pulsar28]

Hi, as I become more and more interested in the `stuff` surrounding us, I find myself requiring more information. Can anyone advise me on what material would be suited to me in my quest for knowledge? What I don`t want is loads of mathematical symbols as I have no grounding in physics/chemistry apart from fundamental education. Maybe that would come later. I am fascinated with for example the comparison between atomic and astro physics and the crossover in patterns of behaviour. Thanks.

 

[berkeman]

Do you have something like a Junior College nearby, where you could take some physics/math/chem/engineering classes?

 

[DaveC426913]

It might not be a bad idea to find a forum online where you could ask all sorts of science questions and get thoughtful, intelligent, timely answers from thoughtful, intelligent, attractive people.

 

[fizziks]

Hi, as I become more and more interested in the `stuff` surrounding us, I find myself requiring more information. Can anyone advise me on what material would be suited to me in my quest for knowledge? What I don`t want is loads of mathematical symbols as I have no grounding in physics/chemistry apart from fundamental education. Maybe that would come later. I am fascinated with for example the comparison between atomic and astro physics and the crossover in patterns of behaviour. Thanks.

Probably the internet or library. You sound like the type of person that's interested in the "layman" aspects of science, sparing the details (like the mathematics and in-depth understanding). But, not like the general audience, just knowledgeable in the field.

 

[pulsar28]

Yes, that sounds about right. I want to know more but to retain my passion for the subject without becoming immersed in formulae and very technical matter. I find that just asking questions in forums such as this one, I seem to answer my own questions and this helps me progress. Thanks.

 

[Andy Resnick]

Since you don't mention what your comfort level is, I would suggest try reading a decent general-audience book, such as:

"One, Two, Three, Infinity", George Gamow
"Mr. Thompkins" (series), also by George Gamow
"Cosmos", Carl Sagan
"Brief history of Time", Stephen Hawking

There are others, no doubt. I would advise you to avoid the 'trendy' ones about strings and "Final Theories", as they are generally not good.

 

[pulsar28]

Thanks for that - I will give those titles a look. By the way when you say my comfort level, what exactly do you mean? If it`s what I think you mean, then I think I would be put off by a book full of formulae and mathematical equations. I guess I`m one of those potential sci fi enthusiasts who loves thinking and contemplating, but would find it difficult to make progress faced with difficult calculations. For the moment at least I just want to learn more about the nature of things.