Title: The Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics
Author: Leonard Susskind
First published January 1, 2013
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780465028115 (ISBN10: 046502811X)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
The Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics by Leonard Susskind is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn physics but never had the chance to study it in college. In this book, Susskind and George Hrabovsky team up to offer an unconventional introduction to physics and math for the ardent amateur.
Unlike most physics books that rely on equations and math, Susskind and Hrabovsky actually teach you the skills you need to do physics on your own, starting with classical mechanics. Based on Susskind’s popular Stanford University-based course, this book covers the theoretical minimum that readers need to master to study more advanced topics.
Whether you want to learn physics as a hobby or as a tool for your career, this book provides a toolkit for amateur scientists to learn physics at their own pace. So, if you regret not taking physics in college or simply want to think like a physicist, The Theoretical Minimum is the book for you.
About the Author
Meet Leonard Susskind, a renowned theoretical physicist and Felix Bloch Professor at Stanford University. His research explores fascinating topics such as string theory, quantum field theory, quantum statistical mechanics, and quantum cosmology.
Susskind has received numerous accolades, including membership in both the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also an associate member of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and a distinguished professor at the Korea Institute for Advanced Study.
Editoral Review
The Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics, written by Leonard Susskind, is a comprehensive introduction to physics for those without prior knowledge of the subject. Susskind is a renowned physicist and professor at Stanford University, known for his work in theoretical physics and his contributions to the development of string theory.
The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to readers with little to no background in physics. Susskind covers a wide range of topics, including classical mechanics, special and general relativity, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.
He provides detailed explanations of complex concepts, using everyday examples to help readers understand the material.
The Theoretical Minimum is not a novel, and there is no plot or central characters. Instead, the book serves as a guide to understanding the fundamental principles of physics.
Susskind’s writing is engaging and informative, and the book is well-structured, with each chapter building upon the previous one.
The Theoretical Minimum has significant historical and cultural significance, as it offers a glimpse into the world of physics and the groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe. It is particularly relevant in the current era of scientific advancement, where knowledge of physics is essential for many fields, including engineering, technology, and medicine.
The book’s strengths lie in Susskind’s ability to explain complex concepts in a way that is accessible to a general audience. He uses everyday examples to illustrate his points, making the material relatable and engaging.
Additionally, his writing style is engaging and informative, making the book an enjoyable read.
The Theoretical Minimum’s only real weakness is that it may be too basic for readers with prior knowledge of physics. However, Susskind does offer more advanced courses in theoretical physics, which may be of interest to those looking to delve deeper into the subject.
Overall, The Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics is an excellent introduction to the subject, and a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of physics. The book is informative, engaging, and accessible, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the universe.
Rating: 4.5/5
