‘Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman’ has inspired many and kindled many others’ interest in physics. Coming from a physics background, it is unusual that I hadn’t read this book all these years. I started reading it in the last week of August and it took me three months to read it, not because it was boring but because there was a major change in my life. I moved to Denmark for my PhD in September and just couldn’t make time for reading.
I finally finished reading in the last week of November. The book is a collection of anecdotes from Feynman’s life. Most of them are hilarious incidents from his childhood, university years and working on the Manhattan Project. Underneath the fun and laughter, one gets a glimpse of Feynman’s way of thinking and his passion for physics. One realises that his curiosity and child-like enthusiasm stayed with him all his life. After a gap year, I was stepping into university again and the book reminded me of my passion for the subject.
The book is a a printed form of Feynman’s taped conversations with his friend Ralph Leighton. Some themes are repetitive and some others are self glorifying. Overall, it is quite interesting to read about his adventures in physics and outside it. The final chapter is my favourite. It touches upon research ethics and a scientist’s responsibility. Each chapter is stand-alone and can be read as it is, it’s alright to not read the book at one go.
Richard Feynman is a Nobel Prize physicist whose colourful life made him a celebrity. His lecture series published in three volumes are every physics student’s constant companion. I strongly recommend this book to those interested in science or looking for an insight into the working of a great mind.
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