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Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!

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Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!

By: Richard P. Feynman
Narrated by: Raymond Todd
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About this listen

One of the most famous science books of our time, the phenomenal national bestseller that “buzzes with energy, anecdote and life. It almost makes you want to become a physicist” (Science Digest).

Richard Feynman, one of the world’s greatest theoretical physicists, thrived on adventure. His outrageous exploits once shocked a Princeton dean’s wife to exclaim: “Surely you’re joking, Mr. Feynman!”

In this phenomenal national bestseller, the Nobel Prize–winning physicist recounts in his inimitable voice his experiences trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and Bohr and ideas on gambling with Nick the Greek, painting a naked female toreador, accompanying a ballet on his bongo drums, and much else of an eyebrow-raising and hilarious nature. Woven together with his views on science, Feynman’s life story is a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, eternal skepticism, and raging chutzpah.

©1985 by Richard P. Feynman (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks Professionals & Academics Science & Technology Funny Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Suspenseful Mathematics

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Critic reviews

"A chain reaction is not a bad analogy for Feynman's life. From a critical mass of gray matter it goes off in all directions, producing both heat and light." ( Time)
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I have read in one review that the reviewer considered Mr F to be self centred and a womaniser. I disagree very strongly, in all his brilliance he has a certain naivety and sees things in a straight uncomplicated manor. I found this book fascinating and read well. My only complaint is that the editing wasn't up to Audible's usual standards, there were a few passages that were repeated - as in - for the recording process to be able to be picked up accurately. There was also one spot where the words 'jumped', even when I backtracked and played it again in case I had done something accidentally .

All in all an excellent read

Fascinating man

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A set of amusing, entertaining and thought provoking anecdotal stories from a man who was rightly described as a genius. Richard Feynman was capable of many other things but he would fail miserably at being lazy, boring and stupid. A lover of showgirls, pranks and exposing corruption and failures in the system, his absolute self-confidence and scorn for convention got him into some amazing scrapes. From bar brawls, scaring the neighbourhood with his maniacal drum and breaking into safes, he was a true force of nature and was also able to understand its myriad of intricacies. This is a fascinating insight into a man with a brilliant mind and an insatiable zest for life. He was passionate about his teaching profession and his students, but was also one of the scientists who developed the nuclear bomb and his thoughts on this achievement make sobering reading.
This is only a snapshot of an incredible life but there is enough here to make you thirst for more.

The Greatest Showman

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Some parts went over my head when they referred to complex math or physics, but they would usually be an example of how his mind worked which is the theme of this book. I enjoyed learning about his objective mindset and hearing about how he reacted in certain situations. He touched on biology, chemistry, psychology, music, language, astronomy and of course physics as well as all manner of interesting areas of study. The final chapter is very moving, in which he addresses all those in areas of any study, and wish for scientific integrity.

His mind explained.

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I didn't want this book to end. It's one of the best books I've listened to!

Feynman offers learning through entertainment. It's filled with stories of this great man, and it's delivered in a fun way. The narrator's upbeat approach is perfect for it.

You could listen to a section for 5-10 mins or binge listen for hours. It's in chronological order, but you could pick it up half way through and not be lost. Some of the chapters are under a minute, while others last for 30+.

A wonderful man, sharing excellent stories in an entertaining way. The world would be a much better place with more people like him.

Wonderfully Entertaining and Insightful

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What made the experience of listening to Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! the most enjoyable?

The energy and accent of the narrator fitted perfectly with the words of Richard Feynman.

What other book might you compare Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! to, and why?

I have not listened to an audiobook quite like this. I will be looking for more of this type of thing but I suspect there are few scientists like Feynman whose work of this elucidatory type is available.

Great Ideas and Energy

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