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Seven Brief Lessons on Physics summary
A mind-bending introduction to modern physics
19 mins
Brief summary
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli takes the reader on a poetic and powerful journey through the universe, exploring the mysteries of general relativity, quantum mechanics, black holes, and the particle nature of matter.
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Seven Brief Lessons on Physics
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Einstein’s general theory of relativity arose from one simple but revolutionary idea.
In 1905, a young man by the name of Albert Einstein submitted three articles to one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals, the Annalen der Physik.
Remarkably, each of these articles is now considered worthy of a Nobel Prize, but it was the third article that became the most famous since it contained Einstein’s first theory of relativity. Today, this is known as his theory of special relativity, and it essentially describes how time is relative, depending on the conditions surrounding the person experiencing it.
For example, if you’re traveling fast enough, time slows down. So, if you leave your friend hanging around while you go for a quick rocketship ride that takes you around the world at the speed of light then, when you land, time will have passed more slowly for you than for your friend who stood still.
Einstein’s theory sent shockwaves through the scientific community, gaining him instant notoriety. However, there was one issue with which he had to deal: at the time, his theory was in direct conflict with Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity, which had been in place since the seventeenth century.
Newton’s theory stated that the force of gravity controlled how the planets and stars interacted with one another and moved through space. This was a huge step in how we understood the universe and the laws that governed it. For the first time, we had a hint that there was something unseen at work in the vast emptiness of space.
That seemingly empty space was further filled by the British physicists Michael Faraday and James Maxwell, who brought forth the concept of electromagnetic fields. Now, along with gravity, there were radio waves that could “transport” electrical forces.
It took Einstein ten years of hard work, but he eventually emerged with his theory of general relativity, a masterpiece of thinking so beautiful and elegant that some would say it’s comparable to Mozart’s Requiem or Homer’s Odyssey.
Central to Einstein’s thinking was that, if there is an electromagnetic field, there must be a gravitational field as well. Einstein’s stroke of genius lay in taking this a step further to theorize that the gravitational field doesn’t so much “fill” space as it is the space.
This means that space isn’t flat – it curves around massive objects such as planets and stars, and as it does so, the gravitational field exerts a measure of force that keeps things from flying away.
Einstein’s work offered a perfect launching pad for further theories.
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What is Seven Brief Lessons on Physics about?
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics (2014) is an informative guide to how we arrived at the two pillars of modern physics: Einstein’s theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics. Author Carlo Rovelli describes the wondrous world opened up by these two theories, including the secrets they’ve revealed and the mysteries and paradoxes they’ve exposed.
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics Review
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics (2014) offers an accessible exploration of the fundamental laws that govern our universe. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Presenting complex concepts in a simple way, it allows readers to grasp the wonders of physics without getting lost in technical jargon.
- With beautiful illustrations and relatable examples, it brings the abstract concepts of physics to life, making it engaging and relatable.
- It ignites curiosity and encourages a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of the universe, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and awe.
Best quote from Seven Brief Lessons on Physics
There is no longer space which contains the world, and there is no longer time in which events occur.
—Carlo Rovelli
Who should read Seven Brief Lessons on Physics?
- Curious people who want to know more about how the universe works
- Students who want an introduction to quantum physics
- Scientists, physicists and mathematicians
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Seven Brief Lessons on Physics FAQs
What is the main message of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics?
The main message of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics is to provide a simple and concise overview of the fundamental concepts of physics.
How long does it take to read Seven Brief Lessons on Physics?
The reading time for Seven Brief Lessons on Physics varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Seven Brief Lessons on Physics a good book? Is it worth reading?
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics is a captivating read that offers a clear understanding of complex scientific ideas. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics?
Carlo Rovelli is the author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics.
What to read after Seven Brief Lessons on Physics?
If you're wondering what to read next after Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Reality Is Not What It Seems by Carlo Rovelli
- Relativity by Albert Einstein
- What If? by Randall Munroe
- The Power of Neurodiversity by Thomas Armstrong
- On the Origin of Time by Thomas Hertog
- Helgoland by Carlo Rovelli
- Becoming a Person of Influence by John C. Maxwell
- A Thousand Brains by Jeff Hawkins
- The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow
- The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli