Must Read Autobiographies - XVI

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
Richard P Feynman

Richard Phillips Feynman (1918 – 1988) was an American physicist known for his work in quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, particle physics etc. For his contributions to the development of quantum electrodynamics, he received Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965. During his lifetime, Feynman became one of the best-known scientists in the world. He was considered as one of the ten greatest physicist of all time.

He assisted in the development of Atomic Bomb during World War II. He became a member of the Rogers Commission, that investigated the disaster of the space shuttle Challenger. In addition to his work in theoretical physics, Feynman has been credited with pioneering the field of quantum computing.

This book is a collection of his reminiscences. The book, released in 1985, covers a variety of instances in Feynman's life. Some are lighthearted in tone, such as his fascination with cracking safes, studying various languages, participating with groups of people who share different interests, and ventures into art and samba music. Others cover more serious material, including his work on the Manhattan Project. The section "Monster Minds" describes his slightly nervous presentation of his graduate work on the Wheeler-Feynman Absorber theory to an audience which included Allbert Einstein and Wolfgang Pauli.

The anecdotes are edited transcriptions from the taped conversations that Feynman had with his close friend and drumming partner Ralph Leighton.

The closing chapter, "Cargo Cult Science," is adapted from the address that Feynman gave during the 1974 commencement exercises at the California Institute of Technology.

The title derives from a woman's response at Princeton University when, after she asked the newly arrived Feynman if he wanted cream or lemon in his tea, he absentmindedly requested both.

Namaste

Prabir