Richard Feynman, Surely you’re joking – Book Review

"Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!" isn’t your typical biography. It’s a collection of hilarious, quirky, and thought-provoking stories from the life of Richard Feynman—a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who never stopped questioning, learning, or having fun. Whether he’s cracking safes at Los Alamos, learning to play the bongos in Brazil, or debunking pseudoscience, Feynman approaches life with an unstoppable curiosity and a sense of playfulness. This book isn’t just for science lovers—it’s for anyone who’s ever wondered, laughed, or learned something just for the fun of it.

Personal review

Why I picked up the book

This has been on my To Read list for so long. I have been longing to read something fun yet still intellectually stimulating and came across a review of Feynman’s work that reminded me to pick up the book. Perfect timing!

What I Loved

Feynman’s Playful Problem-Solving Approach
Feynman tackles both everyday tasks and grand scientific problems with the same playful mindset. Whether he’s figuring out how to crack safes or diving into quantum mechanics, his light-hearted attitude shows that enjoyment is a critical component of innovation.
The Accessible View of Science
Despite his towering intellect, Feynman humanizes science in a way that makes it approachable. He demystifies topics like physics and shows that the scientific method isn’t limited to the lab; it’s a way of thinking that can apply to all areas of life.
Endearing Rebellion
Feynman’s irreverence toward social norms and intellectual authorities is both amusing and inspiring. He isn’t afraid to break the rules, which makes his stories about academic and professional life feel refreshing and full of personality.
Cross-Disciplinary Curiosity
Feynman wasn’t just a physicist; he dabbled in biology, learned to paint, played the bongos, and even experimented with different languages. His diverse interests reinforce the idea that curiosity transcends categories or specialisations, leading to a richer understanding of the world.

What Could Have Been Better

Lack of Structure – Because the book is a collection of anecdotes, it can feel a bit disjointed. If you’re someone who prefers a clear narrative or chronology, this might be a little frustrating. The stories jump from one phase of Feynman’s life to another without much connection, so don’t expect a traditional autobiography.
Occasional Arrogance – Feynman’s confidence is part of what makes him so entertaining, but there are moments where his cockiness can come off as a bit much. For some readers, this might feel off-putting. Personally, I find it is balanced by his humour and self-awareness.

My rating

From the book

Memorable Quotes

“Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.”
“Fall in love with some activity, and do it! Nobody ever figures out what life is all about, and it doesn’t matter. Explore the world. Nearly everything is really interesting if you go into it deeply enough.”
“I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.”
“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.”
“The pleasure of finding things out is the best part of life. It has nothing to do with the end product.”

Who’s This Book For?

Curious Minds – If you find joy in learning new things just for the sake of it, this book will resonate. Feynman’s curiosity knows no bounds—he treats everything from physics to bongo drumming with the same excitement and intellectual curiosity.
People Who Enjoy a Good Laugh – You don’t need a background in science to enjoy the humorous and unexpected situations Feynman finds himself in. From his playful experiments to his candid, often hilarious interactions with people, this book will keep you entertained.
Nonconformists – Feynman’s disregard for authority and refusal to follow traditional paths make him an icon for rule-breakers. If you enjoy challenging the status quo and thinking outside the box, you’ll find his stories inspiring.

What’s The Main Takeaway?

The key takeaway from “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” is that learning and creativity are boundless when driven by curiosity and a love for exploration. Feynman’s life demonstrates that genius doesn’t come from following strict paths but from the freedom to question, experiment, and even make mistakes along the way. His nonconventional approach to everything from physics to art challenges the notion that serious work must be done in a serious manner.

Book Summary

Part 1: From Far Rockaway to MIT

This first section introduces us to Feynman’s early years. He’s a curious kid from Far Rockaway, New York, who’s more interested in figuring out how radios work than playing with toys. His knack for fixing things, using pure logic, sets the tone for the rest of the book. We follow him through his adventures at MIT, where his curiosity is insatiable. He’s the kind of student who finds himself in trouble just because he’s too interested in everything—and refuses to take anything at face value. Whether he’s learning how to take apart radios as a child or playing pranks on his professors, this section paints a picture of a young Feynman who’s driven by an urge to understand the world, no matter how unconventional the methods.

Part 2: The Princeton Years

In this section, we see Feynman as a graduate student at Princeton, where his academic career starts to take shape. But of course, Feynman can’t just go to grad school like everyone else. Instead, he spends his time pulling pranks and challenging authority while still making major strides in his research. One memorable story includes him causing chaos at a prestigious tea party because he didn’t understand the social rules—he just couldn’t figure out what to do with the tea! Beyond the humor, this part reveals how Feynman was always searching for new ways to challenge conventional thinking, even if it meant stepping on a few toes.

Part 3: Feynman, The Bomb, and The Military

Here, Feynman’s life takes a serious turn, but his mischievous spirit doesn’t disappear. During World War II, Feynman was recruited to work on the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos, helping to build the atomic bomb. Even in this high-stakes, top-secret environment, Feynman found ways to have fun. He becomes notorious for cracking safes just to keep things interesting and questioning the over-the-top security measures around the project. But at the same time, he reflects on the weight of his work—knowing that the bomb he helped create would have devastating consequences. This section gives us a more layered view of Feynman, blending humor with the ethical dilemmas he faced as a scientist.

Part 4: From Cornell to Caltech, With a Touch of Brazil

Post-war, Feynman’s life becomes a whirlwind of teaching and traveling. At Cornell, he quickly realizes that he’s not content with the traditional academic life. His boredom leads him to Brazil, where he teaches and learns how to dance and play the bongo drums. Feynman’s love for learning new things—even things far outside his field of expertise—shines through in this section. He’s just as excited about Brazilian samba as he is about quantum mechanics. There’s also a sharp critique of the educational system here, as he points out that students are often taught to memorize rather than understand, a problem that he challenges wherever he goes.

Part 5: The World of One Physicist

In the final section, Feynman reflects on his broader philosophy of life and science. He talks about “cargo cult science,” where people mimic the appearance of scientific inquiry without truly understanding the principles behind it. This is where we get a deeper sense of his commitment to skepticism, always questioning and challenging what’s considered “true.” His stories in this section explore everything from art to lock-picking to skepticism of formalized science. Feynman’s message is clear: it’s more important to keep asking questions than to pretend you have all the answers. The book ends with a reminder that living with curiosity—and not being afraid to look foolish—is the best way to keep learning.