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The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen-Scientist Paperback – April 6, 2005

by Richard P. Feynman (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 508 ratings
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Many appreciate Richard P. Feynman's contributions to twentieth-century physics, but few realize how engaged he was with the world around him -- how deeply and thoughtfully he considered the religious, political, and social issues of his day. Now, a wonderful book -- based on a previously unpublished, three-part public lecture he gave at the University of Washington in 1963 -- shows us this other side of Feynman, as he expounds on the inherent conflict between science and religion, people's distrust of politicians, and our universal fascination with flying saucers, faith healing, and mental telepathy. Here we see Feynman in top form: nearly bursting into a Navajo war chant, then pressing for an overhaul of the English language (if you want to know why Johnny can't read, just look at the spelling of "friend"); and, finally, ruminating on the death of his first wife from tuberculosis. This is quintessential Feynman -- reflective, amusing, and ever enlightening.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    144 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Basic Books
  4. Publication date
    April 6, 2005
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0465023940
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0465023943
  8. Lexile measure
    1040L
  9. See all details
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From the Publisher

Feynman Feynman Feynman Feynman feynman
Six Easy Pieces Six Not-So-Easy Pieces Feynman's Tips on Physics The Pleasure of Finding Things Out Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track
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Lessons in Physics (and Life) from the Field’s Greatest Teacher Learn how to think like a physicist from a Nobel laureate and "one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century" (New York Review of Books) with these six classic and beloved lessons. Learn about Einstein's theory of relativity from a physics Nobel laureate and "one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century" (New York Review of Books) in six memorable lessons. This is a delightful collection of Richard P. Feynman’s insights to provide students, teachers, and enthusiasts alike an opportunity to learn physics from some of its greatest teachers. This collection from scientist and Nobel Peace Prize winner highlights the achievements of a man whose career reshaped the world’s understanding of quantum electrodynamics. In this book, Feynman covers a dazzling array of topics and themes, scientific developments, and personal histories.

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About the Author

Richard P. Feynman (1918-1988) was the Richard Chace Tolman Professor of Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology. He was awarded the 1965 Nobel Prize for his work on the development of quantum field theory. He was also one of the most famous and beloved figures of the twentieth century, both in physics and in the public arena.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books (April 6, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0465023940
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0465023943
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1040L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 508 ratings

About the author

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Richard P. Feynman

Richard P. Feynman

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Richard P. Feynman was born in 1918 and grew up in Far Rockaway, New York. At the age of seventeen he entered MIT and in 1939 went to Princeton, then to Los Alamos, where he joined in the effort to build the atomic bomb. Following World War II he joined the physics faculty at Cornell, then went on to Caltech in 1951, where he taught until his death in 1988. He shared the Nobel Prize for physics in 1965, and served with distinction on the Shuttle Commission in 1986. A commemorative stamp in his name was issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 2005.

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4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
508 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

mlp
5.0 out of 5 stars really like his past work
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2019
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He was a great man in Physics and had a very interesting and exciting life. His understanding or insight has been very useful even to todays students in the field or anyone that is interested in an exciting or interesting life. While, I have not read this book yet, his past work has been a great read and there has been much talk about this being equally good. Therefore, it was a great addition to my books and I am looking forward to reading it some day.
2 people found this helpful
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Ken Kardash
5.0 out of 5 stars Timelessly clear thinking
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2017
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Some other reviewers have been negative because they were looking for more hard science. I think this is unfair, as the title and description accurately convey that this thin volume addresses the role of science in society. More specifically, they are the thoughts of a single scientist who was a Nobel laureate in physics and true renaissance man. True, this is no more than a transcript of three lectures given on the subject in 1963. The conversational style and historical context are marked, but the incisive brilliance of his thinking shines through. HIs central plea to “embrace uncertainty” is profound and constructive, especially in these and any other challenging times. Even if you are a scientist, and especially if you aren’t, reading it will help you make better sense of the world.
19 people found this helpful
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Nancy M Graves
4.0 out of 5 stars Prescient
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023
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These speeches were made in 1966. Feynman flagged a lot of the ills that are de-railing Democracy, America, and planet Earth today. Science can’t save us if we refuse to listen to it.
2 people found this helpful
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Metallurgist
5.0 out of 5 stars Important reading for anyone interested in science and religion
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2007
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As always, Professor Feynman writes with humor and deep insight. While the lectures that make up this book were given in 1963, they are very relevant for the current conflict between religion and science. The titles of the three lectures tell it all - Uncertainty of Science, Uncertainty of Values, and This Unscientific Age. Science is uncertain and that is its great strength. It must be uncertain to accept new ideas. In contrast, any belief system based on faith must be certain in its beliefs. This is not to say that there is no place for religion. Science says nothing about morality or ethical behavior- subjects better left to religion. The last lecture focuses on our unscientific age, with examples of unscientific thinking and how this leads to erroneous conclusions, which are unfortunately widely accepted. This is a short book, so it is better to read it for yourself than to get my take on it. If you read it, I am sure that, regardless of your preconceived bias (in favor of science or religion), it will get you thinking; Feynman always does.
19 people found this helpful
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Mindo'ermatter
3.0 out of 5 stars Some Good Insights Hidden in a 1950s Contexts
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2021
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I've always enjoyed Richard Feynman's works, lectures, and insights. However, these three lectures offer mixed results with the first lecture being the best. Unfortunately, the last two become less valuable with the last and longest lecture being more convoluted, dated, and by his own admission, a poorly prepared jumble of reactions to different topics relevant at the time.

Still, with skillful prospecting, there are many wonderful gems scattered in these three lectures, especially the first and to some degree the second.

Perhaps the best parts of these lectures is Feynman's no-nonsense and direct approach to key principles of scientific processes and discovery, emphasizing how much more we must learn than we already know. Perhaps his best illustration of the scientific method is that of a sieve that keeps getting smaller to filter out bad theories and wrong conclusions. He describes how scientists must always be doubters always questioning results and truly accepting the uncertainty of all research.

Included too are some of his ethical perspectives on the misuse of science or dystopian controls of government over scientific endeavors, demanding specific outcomes without open scientific exploration.

Although this short collection can be read in a single sitting, I suggest a more extended and deliberate study to examine the meanings and implications of Feynman's reasoned perspectives.

Although I appreciated Audible's narration support for an initial preview and exploration, it was not appropriate for more indepth analysis.

Written for general audiences, these lectures offer stark reminders to all serious scientists and seekers of truth.
3 people found this helpful
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LM
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book written by great man.
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2023
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Well written by a man who was very intelligent and still wrote in a manner that was undestandible to anyone.
3 people found this helpful
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Gail Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2021
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I really enjoy his writing, and although physics is beyond me, his ability to communicate, and the man’s remarkable life and his remarkable accomplishments are addictive reading. Astonishing human being
2 people found this helpful
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A Nonny Mouse
5.0 out of 5 stars Well packaged, arrived on time, excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2022
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This book arrived on time, carefully packaged (obviously done by a book lover), and on time. I am delighted!
One person found this helpful
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Jyoti
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in India on April 30, 2024
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It's great experince to have such type of authors written book on Amazon,excellent
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Terry Trowbridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Good for bedtime stories
Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2021
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This book has been bedtime stories in my family for about 15 years. Read it aloud to the kids in your household. Also good for reading to them while they do dishes. It keeps them from complaining and you get some deep thoughts into them.
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Kelvio
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Brazil on June 25, 2018
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Muito bommm. Fácil leitura. Entendimento tranquilo. Linguagem simples. Um livro obrigatório a quem se procura lições não só académicas mas pra vida.
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Giovanni
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice
Reviewed in Italy on March 21, 2018
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Interesting and amusing, it reflects upon many things about science, politics and life in general. I would reccomend it to young people
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E DEAS
5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I wanted.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 22, 2017
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Gave away my copy, but felt the need to replace it. Very good value.
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