Surely You Are Joking, Mr. Feynman is a collection of autobiographical stories by the late Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. This book provides an in-depth look into the life, personality and approach of one of the most brilliant and charismatic scientists of the 20th century.
One of the most notable traits of Feynman that is highlighted in the book is his preference for experience over theory. He doesn't shy away from getting his hands dirty in order to understand a problem or concept more fully, this approach is similar to that of entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has stated that Feynman's work was an inspiration to him.
Feynman's crusade against stupidity is a theme throughout the book as he shows his distaste for those who think they know things when they don't. His infectious curiosity and love for exploring and exposing the truth behind seemingly mysterious phenomena is also highlighted in the book.
The book is written in an informal style that mimics how Feynman would speak and is an easy and enjoyable read. However, it's important to note that the book was written in the past and some aspects may feel dated. Additionally, some readers may find certain aspects of the book, such as Feynman's attitude towards women and certain cultural references, to be problematic or offensive.
Furthermore, the book made me realize how important exploration is even when you don’t see the goal immediately and that it’s easy to focus on production and forget the benefits of exploration. It also points out Freynman amazement by the beauty of reality, greater than that of art or illusion in his opinion.
Overall, Surely You Are Joking, Mr. Feynman is an insightful, entertaining, and engaging read for anyone interested in science, problem-solving, and the life of a brilliant and unconventional thinker. Although it's important to note that the book was written in the past and some aspects may feel dated. Additionally, it may have some misogyny in it.