Hey guys,finished reading "
Surely you're Joking, Mr. Fenyman!" by Richard Fenyman, the famous noble prize-winning physicist. It's an autobiographical book, but does not strictly try to essay out his entire life. Rather it's a collection of anecdotes and reminiscences about his life.
The book makes an interesting read. The tone is very candid and informal. Mr. Fenyman shares with the reader his fascination for physics, puzzles and topless bars! One gets to see the lighter side of this physicist and is pleasantly surprised at the many facets of his personality. His constant thirst for knowledge and lack of inhibition is something one marvels.
You also get an inside view of Los Alamos during the Manhattan project and the making of the atomic bomb. Nothing strategic though, just how the day to day affairs went and the funny incidences.
But two notable things did occur to me. The guy married three times but rarely discusses his family life. His first wife dies of illness and there is almost no mention of his third wife. So much for a book touted to be an autobiography!
Secondly, the professor's analysis of the Brazilian Education system of that period is remarkable. It's something all of us here in India must read. We get an indication of how flawed our education system really is. The observations made are insightful and incisive.
It's a leisurely and light-hearted book. As you turn the pages, you begin to have fun with Mr. Fenyman and like him. Read it, and it might just change your perception of Nobel winning-scientists.
