Don't You Have Time To Think

I read this book in April but had a busy schedule after that, thus, putting entry here very late. Nobel Prize winner physicist Richard P Feynman was very popular among students. The reason is quite clear when you go through any of his books. Don't you have time to Think is collection of letters written by or to Richard P. Feynman. Feynman is famous as a nuclear scientist who worked on first atomic bomb research. He won Nobel Prize for his research work. Add on that, he was also a great teacher. His physics lectures are still used in many colleges to introduce amazing world of physics to newcomer students. As from my experience, there are few professors who know too much about their subjects and there are few who can explain it in a very short & simple way that even a layman can understand the complex theories. These two breeds, normally are very distinct, however, when you have a professor with expertise in both, then its a great experience to study under. RP Feynman was regarded as one of this rare breed, who himself was master of many subjects and also was able to explain it in such a simple language that listeners were spellbound. His talks were hugely popular in student folks as he was highly successful in igniting the flame of interest in the subject which is a rarity.
This book starts from the letters Feynman used to write during his initial student years to his mother. His closeness to his mother is visible from the language he had used. These letters, then, includes his girlfriend, later first wife. This initial part has nothing to do with physics, however gives a great insight about the person Feynman was. The way in which he dealt with his life affairs, just show the dedication and sincerity the man had. Some letters also give a glimpse of how the life was during second world war, working in a secret atomic research lab, staying away from family. Losing loved once and helplessness of human to avoid this parting can be a real lesson in life. RP Feynman after losing his first wife to tuberculosis, left the Atomic research laboratory started teaching. He dedicated himself to his profession. His competitive nature, sense of humor, openness won much kudos from his fellows as well from student community. When he married again he was already an established name in science community. Humbleness with which he received Nobel Prize is also noteworthy. Though, he was famous as a jovial person, his letters were in contrast, very serious.

In the end span of his life, his hunger for learning was exceptional. RPF was expert in Nuclear Physics, Biogenetics, Computers and many more. In last few letters, his comments about aristocracy shows his belief in order of merit. Overall, it’s a great book to read, inspiring stuff. It's not a biography or it doesn't cover all parts of RPF's life, however, it covers his values and beliefs as a great human.