The Feynman Lectures on Physics
This weekend I began reading The Feynman Lectures on Physics. So far they are a joy to read: physics presented in conversational style by a great physicist and teacher. Of course, I’m only up to chapter 3, so I haven’t gotten to anything difficult yet. The going will get a lot tougher, particularly when the higher math kicks in.
Richard Feynman was one of the greatest physicists of the 20th century. He won a Nobel Prize for his work on quantum electrodynamics. From 1961 to 1963, Feynman delivered a two-year series of lectures to beginning physics students at Cal Tech. Those lectures were transcribed and edited into book form and are now available in a three volume “Definitive Edition.” Despite their age, these books make a great introduction to physics. You can find these wonderful books on Amazon here: Amazon
There is also a website devoted to the lectures, which you can find here: Feynman Lectures Website
For others interested in The Feynman Lectures, I have started a FunnelBrain group which you can find here: Feynman Group
I’ll be posting flashcards to this group as I work my way through the books. If you are interested in physics, especially if you are reading the lectures, please join me in this group. I could surely use your help!
Thanks for the link.
As you read The Feynman Lectures on Physics, don’t forget to try to solve the exercises in “Feynman’s Tips on Physics.” (You can not learn physics just by reading — It’s like bodybuilding: “no pain, no gain”!) The Tips exercises will take you through the first 20 chapters of FLP Vol. I. (If you get that far, let me know, and I will tell you where to get more advanced exercises.) If you feel confused about something in FLP, check the errata on our website – you may have come across an error in the book. If you still have questions, feel free to write.
Mike Gottlieb
editor, The Feynman Lecture on Physics, Definitive Edition
coauthor, Feynman’s Tips on Physics
Thanks, Mike. I do plan to work through the exercises, learning the math as I go. What physics and math textbooks would you recommend as companions to FLP?
I enjoy this site, it is worth me coming back