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Fantastic Mr. Feynman

Saw a wonderful BBC documentary showcasing the life of Richard Feynman.  Theoretical physics can be a very drab subject to appreciate but in watching how this Nobel winning professor went about making it easy for the lay person to understand made him a more wise person IMHO.

Understanding is only part of the solution but to put something to good use requires it be narrated or communicated simply.  He knew how to do it.  From working to develop the A Bomb to solving the puzzle of what caused the Challenger Space Shuttle to blow up, he spent his life investigating and exploring and never being tired of being curious.

Some of his books like 'Surely you are joking Mr. Feynman' provide a vivid look at his work and personal life of 70 years.  In it he reminisces of his curious habits and encounters that drove people wild but also proved a point beyond dispute.

The documentary provided insight into his life from his close friends and family who are all accomplished math geniuses or scientists in their own right but who thought that Richard was something extra special.

The world today needs more of these type of people rather than the publicity seeking, fad inducing yo yos that we seem to produce by the dozens.

Comments

  1. There's a lesson in his life for teachers at all levels. I was impressed by the book.

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