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The Meaning of it All
- Thoughts of a Citizen-Scientist
- Narrated by: Raymond Todd
- Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins
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The Meaning of it All
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Publisher's Summary
Marked by Feynman's characteristic combination of rationality and humor, these lectures provide an intimate glimpse at the man behind the legend. He says at the start of his final lecture, "I dedicate this lecture to showing what ridiculous conclusions and rare statements such a man as myself can make." Rare, perhaps, and irreverent, sure. But ridiculous? Not even close.
What listeners say about The Meaning of it All
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
- Sam
- 2023-02-09
Many good thoughts shared - some not right
Many good things about this man and his thoughts. At the same time this book was written in the past and it shows. There are remarks that are just plain wrong mixed in with many good insights - which is expected when humans are sharing their thoughts. In this case I would not recommend this book for people seeking insight.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Big Gucci Kony
- 2021-12-09
Falls off at the end
First 2 chapters are phenomenal. The last 2 were pretty meh, but I think the first 2 chapters alone suffice to make this a great listen.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Brain
- 2017-10-15
Meh....
Mostly highlights of "Surely you're joking, Mr Feynman." From the onset, he admits to getting out of his depth with non-scientific statements, and accordingly, I found many of his philosophies to be straightforwardder, but shallow, opinions. Clearly a very nice man, engaged with his world and his time. Lovingly self-deprecating understanding the limits of his knowledge. My only criticism is that I thought at first this was a book he had written and thus had given time to think things through. However this is really a post-mortem compilation of lectures, speeches, and anecdotes, some of which comes off as random thoughts blurted out that were simply inaccurate.
Lastly, the title conveys to the reader an expectation of learning some insight on Dr Feynman's personal philosophy of life. Instead we get the idea from the text, quite wrongly I assume, that he never gave "the meaning of it all" much thought. In place of searching for meaning, mechanisms, or truth, this book leads one to believe Dr Feynman never sought such questions. This I doubt. The meaning of it all?......."just because"......
19 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Asher
- 2007-09-22
Insightful
Feynman does not dissapoint in this series of three lectures. In other Feynman titles, Feynman will veil some of his views, in these lectures he lets it all out. Great book.
11 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- shaikha
- 2021-04-09
Enjoyable
It’s worth reading. Concise, precise ant to the point. Easy to follow. Beautiful description of science.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
- L. Vãin
- 2008-12-25
Was hoping for better
I was hoping for a lot better. While there were insights and interesting thoughts in the book, they were connected loosely without leading to anywhere of significance. A great part of the disappointment came from the narrator - the life of Feynman's original lectures was simply not there.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Juan Wick
- 2021-12-01
Cowardly work
Dude can’t answer the question he ventured to answer because he can’t know anything. He knows horoscopes are nonsense (how he knows that is a mystery, presumably by revelation?) but he has no idea if capitalism is better than socialism??
This is skepticism run amok. The author explicitly calls this fence sitting and considers it a virtue. Do not recommend.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Melinda Callender
- 2021-06-26
Must Listen/Read For All
This book is truly insightful. I’m not a physicist, nor have I ever been interested in any form of philosophical readings, but The Meaning of it All is an incredible read for everyone, regardless of their occupation or specialty. Feynman does an excellent job of explaining humanity, ethics, morality, religion, government, etc and, while remaining neutral on all these topics, he is able to show how science is NOT at odds with or disproving of any of these ideas. I specifically enjoyed his discussion on morality and religion because he clearly emphasizes that these beliefs can coexist with scientific theories. I highly recommend!
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- ane hem
- 2021-06-16
Great!
I love these lectures! Fun, insightful, and they aged well. These are still very relevant.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Matt
- 2021-05-29
Teach in schools
I think if this book was taught in school, we would have a lot more critical thinkers and a much larger love of learning. Also, a lot less flat earthers! Definitely worth the listen!
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- DeviantCreation
- 2022-01-27
Be open for the unknown
There is a rush to create and produce amazing products and services- to “perfect” them without flaws. A theory- vision is not suppose to be fine tuned or discovered all the details- there must be a room for the unknown, to grow the theory as others add in. I do not have an intense scientific background on how to present a theory, how to develop one or know when it is ready for presentation to the public. What was my personal block and ignorance was lifted. As, discovering in this book a single piece of information which now I’m raised in self assurance to present a theory which isn’t 100% defined….yet…when, the present physical world seems to lack the information I need to move forward. I lean on the thoughts of those before me, in filling in my own personal journey gaps. Many scientific books are filled with “scientific language” and need a dictionary along side it as they speak the community tribal lingo when addressing the public. What I love is how simple the words flow in the thoughts and on very complex topics. When I began my own personal theory journey I leaned on Einstein to define my own thoughts to the point of simple. The big words are great inside communities when everyone else knows it or when wanting to only target that group. As Feynman presents that discussing thoughts from origin and repeating them helps those who arrive with gaps and a single book is a infinite gift of wisdom for those who will find a tiny piece for their personal journey to move forward. When, you choose to read this book- May it be as filling for your life gap as it was for mine today. Thank you
1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Tom
- 2022-01-21
What a remarkable experience!
Maybe it’s because I am very deeply interested and fascinated by the workings of the Brain, or better, by the combined workings of the Body’s Systems and the Brain to create the Conscious Human Mind, that I found it such a joy to listen to Feynman’s words. His meandering considerations of the underpinnings of logic, belief, analogy, and their application in Religion, Politics, Ideology and Modern Culture was a pleasure to read.
While some of his references were obviously dated, it was amazing to hear how many of the issues he raised in trying to explain the Life of the Mind are applicable to our current problems with sloppy thinking and the relics of ancient beliefs.
All in all, a great read and one I didn’t want to end. Four Stars. ****
1 person found this helpful