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Post by RepairmanJack on Jan 2, 2005 23:43:25 GMT -5
Does anyone set reading goals for the year? I know I make the attempt each year. I will say I did pretty good the two previous years, but this past year I did a terrible job. I must have started at least 50 books in 2004 that I did not finish. I can't remember a year like that where I had such a hard time finding books I liked enough to finish. I hope 2005 is better.
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Post by stubedoo on Jan 3, 2005 22:01:30 GMT -5
I try not to have a reading goal, but what I end up trying to do is reading a fiction (usually sci fi) and then a non-fiction (usually a book on science--yes, geek I am). Sometimes I'll get caught up and read some simultaneously. At the moment I'm reading two books--a book by David Brin called Kiln People (sci fi) and a book by Brian Greene called The Fabric of the Cosmos (physics). I recommend both.
If you ever wanted to learn about relativity, quantum mechanics and string theory, you won't get a better author than Brian Greene. I know, I've read quite a few. His first book, The Elegant Universe was a surprise best seller. The first half of the book is quite good, but the second half gets really esoteric. His second book, the one I'm reading now, is much more accessable. I'd recommend reading that one first, and then if you want more information, read the first.
By the way, probably the worst physics/cosmology book I read is the one that everybody has, A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking.
Stu
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Post by RepairmanJack on Jan 4, 2005 0:36:01 GMT -5
By the way, probably the worst physics/cosmology book I read is the one that everybody has, A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. Stu LOL! I was not impressed by his "The Theory of Everything" book either. Thanks for the recommendation on the Brian Greene books. I have heard of them, but have not checked them out yet. I will now. The last good book I read in this area was probably "Three Roads to Quantum Gravity" by Lee Smolin. It is tough to find good books on these subjects. I guess it depends on your educational background.
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Post by stubedoo on Jan 4, 2005 10:50:45 GMT -5
The major Theory of Everything--i.e. the theory that links gravity, quantum mechanics and relativity all together is string theory. In a nutshell, instead of points, fundamental particles such as electrons, quarks, photons, etc are all made up of vibrating strings. String Theory also requires an 11 dimensional universe including time.
Lee Smolin is a proponent of a competing and very interesting theory called loop quantum gravity. As far as I understand it, classical relativity states that gravity waves are smooth. LQG quantiizes these gravity waves at extremely small lengths. Or something like that.
Anyway, I haven't read Smolin's book although it has been recommended to me. It will be a bit one sided since he's trying to purport his point of view. The same can be said about Brian Greene since he's a leading string theorist.
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Post by Shutter Girl on Jan 4, 2005 19:33:58 GMT -5
I was never a reader of science but I'm glad someone else is because I'd hate to see the universe unravel for lack of quantum! When I was working on a Master's in history I had to read about 6 history tomes every week. It got to the point where I couldn't read anything else. When I didn't have to do it any longer it was tough for me to read anything else without feeling guilt. Is that wacky?! When I discovered that I could read on any topic I liked and no one would care I was in heaven. Still am drawn to history but at least now it's for the sheer pleasure of it. That said, I really enjoy reading travelogs and the like. It's not so much for the travel, I like to choose the type that are particularly insightful as well as detailed. One of my faves is Yoga For People Who Can't Be Bothered to Do It by Geoff Dyer. It's basically essays on life observations from an anti-hero of sorts. Talk about jaded! At least he learned a few things on his way. Stu, you and Max might enjoy Breaking Open the Head by Daniel Pinchbeck. It's a journalist's psychedelic journey to find the best 'trip.' He goes all over the world and succumbs to all sorts of torturous rituals. Reading it begs the question: Is expanding your mind really worth the pain and risk? It's really well written and scientifically interesting. There's even a website: www.breakingopenthehead.comI told another member here about it a couple of years ago because he's interested in reading about this sort of thing. It's a good read about a fascinating (and disturbing) topic!
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