Before readnig this book I knew very little about Physics and never even heard about Richard P. Feynman. After reading the book, I got a greater appreciation for Physicists and what they do.

Feynmans witty attitude keeps the reader awake and yearning for more. He describes physics with such simplicity that a child could understand. His great attitude and vivid imagination help you conceptualize his experiments both as a child and as an adult. Great book overall!

This book is not a biography of Richard Feynman, a physicist who won a Nobel Prize for the development of quantum electrodynamics. But it is collection of stories of some of his adventures, thus the book's subtitle "Adventures of a curious character." The vignettes of Feynman's life range from his earliest days fixing radios to his career as a professor. Some stories just defy categorization but give a certain texture to Feynman's life. The stories were very well written and somewhat amusing.

On the plus side, the stories that Feynman writes about his environment or the organizations he worked in or for were very interesting and insightful. His personal stories about safe-cracking, dating, and picking up women in bars were by far less interesting. While Feynman frequently outsmarted his peers, he sometimes received his comeuppance from even smarter people such as Robert Oppenheimer and this made some of the stories easier to take.

This book was disappointing because there must have been many more interesting stories revolving around his work and Nobel prize; stories that would be far more interesting than his ability as a safecracker or his desire to womanize. Thus I do not recommend this book as a source of information on the history of science. On the other hand, if you are interested in learning more about Feynman's personality and learning that even Nobel-Prize winning scientists are also human, then this book might be a worthwhile read.

I bought this book because my former physics professor, who is now a good friend of mine, recommended it to me. I had already read "The nature of physics" by the same author, which I really liked. So I bought this one too to read it.

This book is full of lessons of life. We discover through reading it the curious character of Feynman. We also get to understand that physics Nobel Prizes also pass through difficult periods, and that they learn from them.

This book has to do with physics of course, but above all, it is about humility, curiousness, life, love, and entertainment.

The reviews here claim that Feynman was an egotist and it stained the reading of this book. However, I disagree completely. Feynman never claims to be self-deprecating or modest. In fact, I appreciate his candidness!

I was afraid to read this book because it was recommended to me by a Physics graduate student, and because I am not one to enjoy nonfictions. However, this book reads like a novel. Each chapter is another story or era of Feynman's life. It's like an excited little kid talking to you-- no complex sentences or incomprehensible jargon. I finished it in just a few days, and I was left wanting more! I am not a physicist at all, and Feynman only briefly mentions certain Physics concepts to describe what he was doing with them, usually finishing them off with a "yadda yadda yadda" or the like. You don't have to be a Physicist or a genius to enjoy this book. It's breezy and short, and you can read it in pieces. It will make you smile, and if you happen to also be a scientist, it will make you think (but not too hard). I recommend it to all of my friends!

I read this book with the hope of gaining more insight into Dr. Feynman. While it is indisputable that the man was a physics genius and that he was a phenominal help during the Manhattan project, I grew tired of his incessant contempt for anything or anyone that he didn't approve of. Much of the book is spent with him trying to outmatch and outwhit those in fields that he considers inferior to physics, such as pure mathematics and philosophy. It grows tiresome reading this after a while and the book left me with no better understanding of this distinguished scholar.

Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

this was a gift for a family member. it arrived quickly and in great condition

Although Mr. Feynman is undoubtedly a smart man, with many things to credit to his name, this book seemed like nothing but his attempt to show how smart he was and is. However he comes off as extremely arrogant and pompous, the problem being that his anecdotes are ruined by his comments on how stupid others are compared to himself. Almost every other paragraph is a story in which he felt he outsmarted someone, but in reality, his accomplishments seem very exaggerated and insignificant. The way he talks about not being considered a sissy by struggling against his frat brothers, outsmarted the waitress with dumb puzzles, and outwitted his frat when stealing a door are NOT impressive in the least, and I feel that a average person could accomplish the same things. The fact that he writes about it in a manner so that he tries to make himself some child genius is what ruins the book and makes him seem stupider rather than smarter. I'm sorry Mr. Feynman, you may be a great physicist, but you must be joking if you think you're a writer, and a clever one at that. I may not be able to solve physics problems like you, but I can assure you...I am much more clever if compared to your life stories (and that's not saying much).

For a physicist Mr. Feynman was a fantastically curious individual. Although, compulsive and a bit "different" his passion for life and curiosity with the world around him were remarkable. His wit and wisdom along with stories of his antics and general mischief acted as a magnet pulling me to the next page. This book was hard to put down and reminded me to remain curious throughout life. Well worth the time it takes to read, I will be reading other books by Mr. Feynman.

Richard Feynman is a theoretical physicist, Nobel prize recipient on Physics, professor of Caltech, a serious academic. However, he is also a curious character and a man of many talent. This book about him is not an autobiography but are little stories on him throughout his life. There is very little about physics. Rather, it demonstrates Feynman's attitude towards everything around him.

When he was in Princeton graduate college, he was invited to a tea party at the Dean's house. The Dean's wife served him tea and asked "Would you like cream or lemon in your tea?" He said "I'll have both, thank you.", quite absent-mindedly. The response was "Surely you're joking, Mr. Feynman.", the title of this book.

Feynman is curious, and this may well be an important attribute for learning. The book has detailed description of how he learned to crack safes when he was in Los Alamos participating in the Manhattan project. He learned painting for a while and had his own painting exhibition. When he was in Brazil lecturing, he learned to play frigideira in a samba band and joined the Carnival parade. He also played all-drum music for a ballet performance. With all these talent, he admitted that he did not know painting, and did not know how to read music score.

This demonstrates now one should treat work and other activities as one. There is no such thing as work-life balance for him. He did anything that interested him wholeheartedly, leading to wonderful achievement in both study, work, hobbies and entertainment. It really reminds us that playing out so-called life activities half-heartedly is a waste of time.

There are so many humourous passages in the book and I can only quote a few.

- Judging Books by Their Covers.
When he served on an advisory committee on textbooks for the government, a book publisher submitted a volume of three books for evaluation. The last one was incomplete and only the covers with some blank pages were included. To his surprise, Feynman found out that committee members gave good rating to the books, which exposed that they didn't even bother to read them before rating them.

- Is Electricity Fire?
He was asked by a group of young rabbis "Is electricity fire?" He was glad that the theology academics were interested in physics and went on to explain the phenomenon. However, it turned out that the rabbis were trying to abide by the doctrine that they should not use fire on Sundays and thus wanted to know if this should include all electrical appliances. Quite a disappointment for him to find out that the rabbis were not modernizing but just trying to follow ancient doctrines to the letter.

- A Touch of Brazil.
When he did some lectures in Brazil, he was amazed that the students were well prepared for the lectures. They could answer questions on the reading materials right away. However, they could not answer similar but simple questions put in another way. Feynman finally found out that the students memorized all the papers distributed, as well as all the notes of the lectures. They learned without thinking, read without understanding. There is a familiar situation in Hong Kong where students did the same. We also seldom have questions asked, topic discussed, or even intellectual arguments.

- Cargo Cult Science.
On scientific studies, Feynman quoted an example. Islanders of a South Pacific Island saw what the army did there in the war: cargo planes landing bringing all sort of good things. A few decades later, they were found constructing long and flat mud strip with torches on both sides mimicking a runway. The leader would sit in a wooden shed, with wooden plates covering his ears like a headphone. They kept doing this but still wondered why the cargo planes never landed. They used accurate scientific observation and imitated the original way to near likeness. But such superficial scientific method without reasoning could not yield any results.

Stories in the book are so diverse and I could only quote 1% of them in the review. You are recommended to take a look.

I love physics and reading biographies and in a way this is a perfect book. It does not go into physics issues though, it is more about the life of a great scientist and a very different and profound person, Feynman. The only strong criticism may be that he was known for telling stories about himself, and generally knew how to portray an image of a very smart and original man. I don't mind, however, and still like to believe he was all of that.

Not just fun, but also an opportunity to be introspective.

One of the most entertaining biographies I have read to date. Richard P. Feynman is not your stereotypical lab-coat scientist; his relentless curiosity has led him down many adventurous paths and generated hundreds of humorous stories. Don't let the `theoretical physicist' subtitle distract you, this book is as much about the pursuit of science, as it is about the innate curiosity and passion about making the best of your life - through the eyes of Richard P. Feynman. This book is guaranteed to make you laugh. Enjoy it, and make sure to share it with your friends.

My son recommended I read this one and I'm glad he did. Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! offers a fascinating look into the life of one of the brightest minds of the past 100 years. Richard Feynman is probably best known for his involvement in the Manhattan Project and for winning the Nobel Prize in Physics but this book is more about who he was as a person.

Unlike some dull and dreary book on the science shelf, Surely You're Joking is an extremely enjoyable read, thanks in large part to Feynman's conversational writing style. The author's curiosity also shines through and it's easy to see why he was such a brilliant scientist; he clearly was one of those kids who spent a lot of time taking things apart and learning how they worked.

This book is a timeless adventure through the highlights of Feynman's adult life. It's filled with stories of his time at Cornell, CalTech and of course, his work on the bomb. Although you won't learn much about science from this book, it will definitely give you a better appreciation for the man and what made him tick.

Think of every stereotype you can of the scientist: stodgy academic wearing a herringbone blazer with suede patch elbows, mad scientist with a penchant for the over-the-top experiment, intelligent misfit with pants cinched too high and a pocket protector. Feynman is none of these. He is so very much more. A misfit more apt to find humanity in a stripper than a theologian. A man who never outgrew the natural curiosity of childhood, coupled with an entirely un-childlike willingness to follow through. I can only imagine what working with him at Los Alamos might have been like. The glimpses into his personal life here are few, but telling. In these pages, we understand why Feynman is considered one of life's remarkable personalities. He's the nerd we aspire to be...or at least wouldn't mind having dinner with. But perhaps more important, what is revealed is the heart and the mind of a man whose life is testament to the richness of the human experience...and how easily we can get in its way. I am forever glad that I met this man in these pages. It was worth every moment.

There's no fun, no interesting ideas, no physics, no jokes ....actually when I come to think about it - there's nothing in this book.
Feynamn must have been a great mind in physics (you can't tell from this book) and he must have been a very charming person - or so they say, cause you can't tell from this book either. I find him boring, self-centered, obnoxious and someone that will be nice to persons with an IQ exceeding 200, and ONLY if they are into Nobel prize level of physics...To regular folks he was a nasty, egoist, allegedly funny guy. If you want to read a whole book about his pranks, go ahead and good luck.
Don't be fooled by the title like so many others.

I loved this book, could hardly put it down, and bought it for several friends. Brilliant and funny, this Nobel laureate penned a delightful memoir. I recommend it for anyone remotely interested in science who wants to get inside a genius's mind. Seldom are we offered such an opportunity.

I loved this book, could hardly put it down, and bought it for several friends. Brilliant and funny, this Nobel laureate penned a delightful memoir. I recommend it for anyone remotely interested in science who wants to get inside a genius's mind. Seldom are we offered such an opportunity.

I have re-read this book at least a half dozen times, and always find it a fresh read. Too bad there are not enough teachers out there with is spirit and interest in not only 'finding things out' but in getting the students to think differently, to want to find how nature works.

His zany adventures growing up, during the war and thereafter are funny and irreverent , inspiring in their own way; there are serious moments in the book as well, pertaining to education, books, and the Challenger disaster.
If you enjoy this one, read Tuva or Bust as well.

Wonderful book for anyone to read...great stories about a very interesting man. Would also recommend "What do you care..." by Feynman as well.

This book is absolutely hilarious!! Who knew that a Noble Laureate Physicist could be such a facinating guy? This book does NOT require any technical ability to fully enjoy. It is easy to read, and hard to put down. Dr. Feynman not only challenges authority, but he plays pranks on them; and very few can challange his superior intellect. A must read!!!

I rarely read biographies and so I began this book with some hesitation. After a few pages reading Feynman's unique viewpoints and candor, it was difficult to put it down. Feynman was truly a great American, Scientist and Eccentric.

I found a great deal of inspiration in his definition of science and his highly rational but playful, free-thinking way of looking at the world and himself.

I ordered several other of his books and look forward to them greatly.

This book provides insightful and sometimes hilarious commentary on the experiences of a very intelligent person. His meetings with "great men" while working on the manhatten project and his anecdotes about life and living make for a book that is surprisingly hard to put down.

I've stayed up late reading this book.

Mr. Feynman is a curious and great character indeed, he's the sort of guy that doesn't take your word for it, unless he's able to experimently verify it himself. Remember, this is the guy that, during the Challenger tragedy hearings, demonstrated the O-ring's inadequacy in-person by using ice-water. He's the kind of guy that believes in seeking the true nature about things, never afraid to ask questions, never too concerned with puppetry or distinguished titles. In short, he's the kind of guy that is an inexhaustible inspiration and guiding star for all of us that is facinated with what science can bring.

Now, the improbable outcome that this guy should end up as a Nobel Laureate, the most distinguished and honourable title of the science community at large, is of course the great irony of it all. This book tells you the background story of this and other improbable events. Be it real or surreal, they are always hilarious, sometimes as a result of Mr. Feynmans highly developed sense of humour, sometimes unintentionally so. The stories date back to young Feynman when he was only a kid, and are told with such warmth and good spirits, that they will make you both laugh and cry. And at the end, you be left with unique insights into a curious and truly facinating character indeed!

Feinerman was an amazing man in so many ways. His life is a real lesson in doing all that you can, and enjoying every minute of your life. Loved this book.

I find myself in the funny position of reviewing a book that I never thought enough of to list as a "favorite" or as "deep". It's not a book I would normally bring up in a discussion of "life-changing" books.

That's partly because this book defies categorization. It's not a profound look at a genius; indeed we are given only glimpses into certain facets of Feynman's personality, with only hints of his darker sides. It's not just a book of anecdotes. There is an underlying message, as exemplified by the closing "Cargo Cult Science". On the other hand, it's not trying to be a book with a lesson or moral.

However, over time, this is a book I've read over and over again. And it always seems fresh, as if I was reading it for the first time. His exploits make me laugh, pause in thought, and inspire me to be curious about the world. That's what draws me again and again to reread it. I honestly think I've read it as many times as all my favorite books put together. And I can't figure it out.

I guess for a grad student this book is inspirational. It gives guidelines on how research should be done, how to not just "believe" blindly others work, but to try and understand it and prove it yourself. It also points out what is wrong with the way we are taught to think, learn in school, by our teachers. It shows how superficial people are in thinking, and how they prefer just to take things as they are and not think them through!!!

This book chronicles a few incidents in the peculiar life of Noble award winning physicist Richard Feynman. Feynman was a brilliant scientist and an inspiring teacher who led an eccentric lifestyle. Although most readers have loved this book, I found it to be boring and dull. A few of Feynman's so called adventures were pretty interesting and had a sparkle to them (like how he learned to open safes), but I thought most of his stories were boring, especially his adventures with ladies in bars. I was pretty disappointed with this one.

I have read this a few times and enjoyed it every time. Feynman is humble, witty and approaches life with a great sense of humor. Highly recommend it!

This "autobiography" is as unconventional as Feynman himself. It follows a zig-zaggy chronology through Feynman's life from childhood to young adulthood in a series of brief accounts that showcase his impish humor, profound intellect, and disdain for arrogant authority. No doubt, it was his nonconformist nature that led him to pursue science in a way that led to his breakthroughs in physics and, eventually, to the Nobel Prize.

But this book isn't aimed at scientists. It's an entertaining biography for a general audience interested in meeting an unforgettable character. You'll find yourself smiling while you read of Feynman's adventures and gaffes. Even if you hated your high school physics class, you'll enjoy learning about Richard Feynman, a free spirit living in a time of social stuffiness and conformity.

This autobiographical work is one of the most delightful discussions of a brilliant nuclear physicist you will ever read. The book covers some of the most serious subjects of the 20th century, with humor that will amaze you. In narrating his adventures, Feynman shows physicists to be human beings, with faults and foibles, and presents reasons why they pursue such esoteric careers. Anyone who is aware of the history of the development of the atomic bomb, and the U.S Space Program, will both enjoy and learn from this book. Once you read it, you will be recommending it to all your friends.

This book was fun to read. Dr. Feynman surely has a lot of worthwile stories to tell. He is an interesting character and has a lot to offer to those outside of the realm of physics.

I have had the pleasure to be smitten by people of Feynman's character type & generally have left their presence drooling with admiration and a certain sort of blessed reassurance that there is sanity in this crazy world.

This book is not one I would characterize as an "easy read" especially if you don't have a basic & general background in all of the sciences. I consider myself to have a basic background and while grasping most of the stories & quips involving Feynman's fascination with biological concepts, I pretty much got glassy eyed when stumbling through quantum theory, theroms and what have you.

Nevertheless, this book is very entertaining and gives insight into the workings of a man of enormous curiosity , intelligence and whit.

It is written in short chapters , each one could be read as a separate story all of which are rich with adventure, sound scientific thinking and humor.

I think every student from 5th grade through college level should be encouraged to read this book as it is a great lesson in how science is a process of sound thinking, logical reasoning, debate and discussion, success and failure.

Pick this one up. It is an exceptional insight into a brilliant mind, an interesting character and some background on his & other's contribution to our own American history. The book is written in Feynman's voice and will leave you feeling as if you knew him and begging for the chance to go back in time and have a cup of tea with him.

M

This books will make you wealthy and wise , One of the best investment ever.

That's the way it seemed when I read this book. Feynman's authorial voice is friendly, intimate, unassuming, and unique. I found it delightful. The entire book is a gas, fascinating, and educational. Feynman seems like just the kind of guy you'd like to hang out with. He can be a real PITA, but also funny as hell, and always interesting. I really didn't want the book to end (fortunately there are others by him that I haven't read yet). Feynman has a way of thinking that moves into your own brain. I keep catching myself thinking when faced with a problem "Now how would Richard approach this?"

There's not much hard science here but I did get a good sense about some aspects of the sociology and methodology of contemporary physics. Feynman also has interesting ideas about art, music, culture, and people. Some of the anecdotes are historically important, especially the episodes at Los Alamos.

Feynman seems to be painfully honest in places--how many would admit to peccadilloes like spending six nights a week in a strip club--but elsewhere his anecdotes seem confabulated. One description of a philosophical discussion at Princeton when he was a grad student there is absolutely implausible unless Princeton philosophy grad students were a lot worse than I'm sure they were. This is something I know something about. That conversation did not take place the way Feynman describes it. Who cares? (I do a little.) Also Feynman takes a completely gratuitous pot shot at the Cornell philosophy department, which at that time and still today is one of the best in the US.

Feynman is also a bit of a phony, especially in his apparent distain for the Nobel Prize. I guarantee you he would have been mortally crushed if he had not gotten the Nobel (and rightly so!). He's also overbearing toward the end of the book where he discusses "cargo cult science," although the basic point that Feynman is trying to make is deeply important IMO. The thing is the guy's human, very human; he comes across that way--fleshy, a little nerdy, excitable, not always dependable, compulsive, and unpredictable, self-involved, cool sometimes, brilliantly original in an unpretentious way sometimes, and a great story teller.

Reading this book is a wonderful very human experience.

That's the way it seemed when I read this book. Feynman's authorial voice is friendly, intimate, unassuming, and unique. I found it delightful. The entire book is a gas, fascinating, and educational. Feynman seems like just the kind of guy you'd like to hang out with. He can be a real PITA, but also funny as hell, and always interesting. I really didn't want the book to end (fortunately there are others by him that I haven't read yet). Feynman has a way of thinking that moves into your own brain. I keep catching myself thinking when faced with a problem "Now how would Richard approach this?"

There's not much hard science here but I did get a good sense about some aspects of the sociology and methodology of contemporary physics. Feynman also has interesting ideas about art, music, culture, and people. Some of the anecdotes are historically important, especially the episodes at Los Alamos.

Feynman seems to be painfully honest in places--how many would admit to peccadilloes like spending six nights a week in a strip club--but elsewhere his anecdotes seem confabulated. One description of a philosophical discussion at Princeton when he was a grad student there is absolutely implausible unless Princeton philosophy grad students were a lot worse than I'm sure they were. This is something I know something about. That conversation did not take place the way Feynman describes it. Who cares? (I do a little.) Also Feynman takes a completely gratuitous pot shot at the Cornell philosophy department, which at that time and still today is one of the best in the US.

Feynman is also a bit of a phony, especially in his apparent distain for the Nobel Prize. I guarantee you he would have been mortally crushed if he had not gotten the Nobel (and rightly so!). He's also overbearing toward the end of the book where he discusses "cargo cult science," although the basic point that Feynman is trying to make is deeply important IMO. The thing is the guy's human, very human; he comes across that way--fleshy, a little nerdy, excitable, not always dependable, compulsive, and unpredictable, self-involved, cool sometimes, brilliantly original in an unpretentious way sometimes, and a great story teller.

Reading this book is a wonderful very human experience.

This is a good book if you haven't read any of the other books about Feynman. A few of the chapters have been published elsewhere, such as in "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out" which in my opinion was a better (more science-centric) book. This book was more about his personal life and included some interesting information about his experiences with women and his time spent travelling.

I affirm the positive comments of the other reviewers. I am a truck driver and dairy farmer and just finished the books on tape version of this book. I want to run away to graduate school and get at PHD in physics. I hated science in school.

I especialy recommend this book because it affirms true learning. It really doesn't start until you fall in love with a subject and go after it just for the fun of it and for the most part on your own. Much of the book is about his love of physics and scientific exploration. He touches upon how to do education wrong with his stories about science education in Brazil and his work selecting K-12 science texts for the LA school system. My independent road of becoming a dairy farmer affirms his thinking, and I am so glad I did not try to get an Ag degree.

Dr. Feynman demonstrates the humor and roaring fun that made him such a favorite teacher among his students. His sense of humor is contagious and you find yourself realizing that even physics can be fun. His burning curiousity is also contagious and you may find yourself taking time to stare at ants for hours and enjoying every minute of it. Get the book, it is one of the funnest books I ever read. And it might just give you the passion for learning and impish inquisitive mind to understand the joy of spending your life in pursuit of learning. There is not praise high enough for this joyous and rousing testament to a life well lived.

A really great book by a great man. I almost laughed out loud while on a train and am sure people thought I was crazy. The book made me wonder how can you lead such an interesting life and yet win a Nobel Prize in physics (I guess you can).
Though the book does not follow a chronological order , I could feel the earlier part corresponds to the youthful times in his life (If he ever got old). Towards the later stages in the book I could also sense some cynicism in his words and he feels strongly about the lack of integrity, particularly in scientific research and life in general around him.
A wonderful book that gives some insight into a brilliant mind and inspires to think while learning and not just memorize facts.

This is a fantastic book! Richard Feynman is a fascinating person and an excellent writer. His view of the world is exciting and interesting and his life experiences make for enjoyable stories. One lesson that comes through in this book is 'Think', don't be afraid to stop and think about something, a problem, a point of view, etc. Through these stories and the life of Richard Feynman, we are all shown what it is to live a life well. Get this book!

This book is by far the best non-technical science book. Period. You don't have to be a scientist to love the spirit of Richard Feynman. From discovering the behaviors of ants with sugar to his stints as an artist and musician, Feynman reminds us all that the world is still our playground, waiting to be discovered.

This book was an absolute joy to read. I found that I could not put it down. It makes a great book for a small break in the day because each topic is only a few pages. I will warn you that reading just one topic may be difficult. If you enjoy science, physics, how things work, brilliant minds, you will love this book.

I can't really add much to the hundreds of reviews already posted but to say one thing in response to a common criticism I've read. Many have criticized this book for its poor writing style. This would be a valid critique - if Feynman had actually sat down and written it. Nearly the entire book is transcript from a series of taped conversations between Feynman and a friend, and the effect is amazing. Enjoy!

"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" is simply one of the best books I've read. It's funny, witty, informative, and interesting. But most of all, it's entertaining.

Despite my utter infatuation with this book, I believe a "Reader Beware" is in order: To truly enjoy this book, I would suggest that you have at least some interest in science. Feynman's antics aren't difficult to understand, but if you don't like science, you might feel a bit on the outside of some inside jokes.

As for the accusations regarding Feynman's arrogance, they're not unfounded. But it boils down to this: a smart guy poking fun at some dumber guys. I found it funny. Some people don't. If you've never giggled in class when someone gave a really dumb answer to a question, you may not enjoy this book.

Overall, "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" is an excellent piece of literature. It's an incredibly fun read.

I'm in the camp that believes Feynman was a brilliant scientist but somewhat of a jerk. His practical jokes, though perhaps brilliantly conceived, were often hurtful and arrogant. His stories about his bar-hopping and womanizing lack credibility. I'm not impressed that he knew how to play bongo drums -- who doesn't? And then there are his "cultural" pursuits. I know other scientific types who look down on the arts and believe they are easy. As a result, we get a lot of scientists who think they can write, compose or play music, do art, write poetry, etc., when, in fact, they are usually embarassingly terrible at those things. Feynman is guilty of that; his prose is mundane and cliched. Where was his editor? On the other hand, I was very impressed by Feynman's passion for correct learning, that is, to make sure you UNDERSTAND something, not just rely on rote. That's valuable. Ditto for his belief that if a person does not live up to another person's expectations, it's the fault of the person who set the expectations too high, not the person who failed to meet them. I enjoyed the vignettes of other great thinkers. I appreciated his plea for total intellectual honesty in all endeavors. And although I think Feynman was a wiseacre, I have to admit that he had me laughing in a few places. I believe Feynman was a great man -- perhaps more accurately, a great nerd. I'm glad I read the book, but in its entirety, I would have to say it merits only three stars.

Yes, it's true that Feynman was a great scientist. Fortunately, for those not well-versed in physics, it's not necessary to know anything about it to enjoy this book. His escapades are funny, and, if some thought them cruel, I don't think that was his intention. He learned from everything around him, from how people act, to cracking safes (which he did to point out security flaws), to learning about the fascinating world of ants. His sense of humor shines through in all his stories, so that makes this book great fun to read as well as a great resource into the mind of an intelligent and thoughtful man. I cannot recommend this book enough.

OK, so Feynman is smarter than all of us. We get it. But I found him to be an insufferable jerk. Pompous and insensitive doesn't begin to describe this man's character. At about the time he started messing with that poor waitress, leaving her tip underneath a tipped-over glass of water so she would wonder how he'd done it, and would have to spill water all over the floor in order to retrieve his pocket change, I'd had enough. But I went ahead and fished the book anyway, because I was so far into it.

Quite simply, the man suffers from emotional stunted growth, and I doubt if he pranks have won him very many true friends.

Also, I must say the writing leaves something to be desired. It's breezy and mannered, far too coloquial, ridden with cliches, and not at all well-edited. His editor was probably afraid to touch his prose, but it needed a lot of work.

Are there some interesting stories here? A few. Thus, two stars. It's not a complete waste of time, but I just don't see how so many people like this book so much.

Coming from a 16 year old girl that has to read this book for a school project...I would have to say that this book is kind of boring. If your into physics and science and all that jazz then you will most likely enjoy this book. But if you're going to read it just to read it, then I would suggest you not. I have to admit, that some of the stuff Richard Feynman says is funny but I found my self skipping pages at a time because of its boringness. Don't get me wrong, I really do admire Mr. Feynman as a man and he was a great physicist but this book was just ok. Sometimes he got into a lot of in-depth physics stuff that I just didn't care for. But sometimes i was interested in what he was saying.

Have a nice day

HUgely entertaining and educational. OK so he was a good self-publicist, but one of the great things he did was encourage people to think for themselves about things, including 'authorities' such as Feynman himself became.

Clearly Mr. Feynman is brilliant, but he comes off as a self-aggrandizing jerk; always having to show that he's smarter than anyone else and playing 'jokes' on people that they probably didn't find so funny. Would I want to hang out with someone like that? Nope! Then why waste my time reading all of his clever anectodes?