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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Genius summary
The Life and Science of Richard Feynman
18 mins
Brief summary
Genius by James Gleick tells the story of how geniuses are made and not born. Gleick explores the lives of brilliant minds like Einstein and Newton to shed light on the characteristics and circumstances that foster creativity and innovation in individuals.
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Genius
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As a child, Richard Feynman was encouraged to think scientifically.
Before Richard Feynman was even born, his father, Melville, made a prediction: if the unborn child turned out to be a boy, he’d become a great scientist. And sure enough, the prophecy came true – but this had a lot to do with how Richard was raised.
Melville was a second-generation European immigrant who’d settled in upstate New York. Though he had scientific aspirations, he felt that, as a middle-class Jew, his options were limited. So instead of pursuing his own dreams, he worked as a salesman and pinned his hopes on his son.
As a result, Richard was raised to see the world with a scientific mind.
Before Richard could even talk, his father stimulated his son’s developing mind with tiles that contained blue-and-white geometric patterns.
Later, Melville would take Richard to museums and translate the facts and numbers on display into images that allowed his son to visualize, and therefore retain, the details. So, when describing a Tyrannosaurus rex, he told Richard that the dinosaur was tall enough for its head to reach his bedroom window, but that the head would be too wide to fit through it.
Melville also made sure Richard understood how and why things work – and how important this understanding is.
One day, on a mountain hike, Melville asked Richard to identify each bird they encountered. Whenever Richard was stumped, Melville would recite the bird’s name in Chinese, Portuguese and Italian.
This may seem like mere showboating, but there was a larger point. Depending on where you are, different people will have different names for the same bird, names that tell you nothing about the bird itself. Real knowledge comes from observation and an understanding of what the bird actually does.
Much later, Feynman shared this insight while working on a school advisory board for science textbooks. The textbooks were written in vague language, such as this: “friction causes shoe soles to wear away.” Feynman pushed for more detailed explanations, such as “the grooves on a sidewalk grip chunks of shoe leather and tear them off.” It infuriated him that children were being taught unscientific information that didn’t include how things actually happen.
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What is Genius about?
Genius (2011) charts the life and career of brilliant physicist Richard Feynman, from his formative upbringing to his remarkable and lasting contributions to science. Though he’s not as renowned as Albert Einstein, and has no groundbreaking theories to his name, Feynman did change the way scientists look at the world.
Genius Review
Genius (2011) explores the lives and minds of some of the greatest intellectuals in history, revealing the sources of their creativity and the challenges they faced. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers intriguing insights into the genius behind remarkable thinkers, inspiring readers to tap into their own creative potential.
- The book presents a rich collection of anecdotes and stories about the personal and professional lives of these geniuses, making it captivating and thought-provoking.
- With its fascinating exploration of the human mind and the mysteries of genius, it keeps readers engaged from beginning to end, ensuring it is far from boring.
Best quote from Genius
I was born not knowing and have only had a little time to change that here and there.
—James Gleick
Who should read Genius?
- Students and lovers of science
- Curious problem solvers
- History buffs
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Genius FAQs
What is the main message of Genius?
The main message of Genius is to explore the nature of genius and understand how it affects our world.
How long does it take to read Genius?
The reading time for Genius varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Genius a good book? Is it worth reading?
Genius is a fascinating read that sheds light on the minds of exceptional individuals. It's definitely worth exploring.
Who is the author of Genius?
The author of Genius is James Gleick.
What to read after Genius?
If you're wondering what to read next after Genius, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard P. Feynman
- Isaac Newton by James Gleick
- Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
- Chaos by James Gleick
- AI Snake Oil by Arvind Narayanan
- Raise Your Game by Alan Stein Jr.
- Children of Ash and Elm by Neil Price
- The Human Condition by Hannah Arendt
- Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine with Ann Frederick
- The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra