R
Ralph Leighton
American biographer
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
- Pages
- 255
- Published
- 1988
- Language
- English
Synopsis
Richard Feynman was more than just a Nobel Prize-winning physicist; he was a force of nature. This collection of stories showcases his boundless curiosity, his adventurous spirit, and his unique way of looking at the world. From his childhood escapades to his work on the Challenger investigation, Feynman's voice shines through, offering a glimpse into a truly extraordinary mind.
Genres
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to read Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! before starting this book?
This collection functions perfectly as a standalone volume, though it is considered a companion or sequel to his earlier anecdotal memoir. Reading the first book is not required, but it provides helpful context for his overall personality and life trajectory.
How is the book structured differently from his first memoir?
Unlike the rapid-fire, lighthearted anecdotes of his first book, this work is divided into two distinct halves. The first section features deeply personal, tender stories about his early life and his first wife, Arlene, while the second half is a detailed, single-topic journalistic account of his investigation into the Challenger space shuttle disaster.
What is the origin of the book's title?
The title is a direct quote from Feynman's first wife, Arlene, who used the phrase to encourage him to ignore social expectations and maintain his independent, questioning mind during her terminal illness.