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A review by corydoesmath
Disturbing the Universe by Freeman Dyson
4.0
It's taken me four years to finish this book. For a long time, it was prematurely my favorite book of all time. I hold a special place in my heart for this book, which I inherited from a crate of books from my old math professor. I thought the title was pretentious and had never heard of Freeman Dyson. I did not know what to expect. Then I started reading.
1. Freeman is a one-of-a-kind polymath. His hands have been in some of the most influential physics, math, politics, and research and development in history. And he's also incredibly well-read, well-traveled, well-acquainted, and creative. His descriptions of people are unparalleled. One of my lifelong goals was to see Freeman Dyson speak in Princeton, but unfortunately he passed away last year.
2. The writing is dense. I think this is why it took me so long to read. Each chapter is an essay. Some essays are really technical. Some of the politics went over my head. This was published over forty years ago. One ding against Freeman: I've heard that he did not really believe in the urgency of global warming. But I don't remember that being touched on much in this book. I skimmed most of Part III - I did not find his writing about the future and space as interesting.
3. The reason why this is one of my favorite books is because of these chapters:
- Chapter 4: The Blood of a Poet. I remember exactly where I was when I read this. I was in the kitchen of a house where I was the counselor for a sleep-away camp. I was glued to the page and about to cry. It was one of the most intense emotions I had felt while reading and as I skim through the chapter now, I cannot appreciate with what intensity I felt - but I believe it.
- Chapter 6: A Ride to Albuquerque. This one features Richard Feynman. I often compare Dyson to Feynman, but this chapter I think exhibits why I prefer Dyson a lot more.
- Chapter 8: Prelude in E-Flat Minor. This is my all-time recommended chapter. How the Prelude comes in is so lovely. The politics of the atomic bomb were so intense and controversial. I cannot imagine being involved.
- Chapter 14: The Murder of Dover Sharp. The opening story is kind of crazy and the discussion of the test ban treaty sounded like the most perfect radio bit you'd hear from NPR.
4. Reading these essays in pieces, over four years, has meant that it's been a constant source of inspiration. I think it's incredibly smart writing and it's proof that people who study math and science do have an invaluable and irrefutable place in politics, foreign affairs, policy, and philosophy.
I will likely reread the above chapters several times in my lifetime.
1. Freeman is a one-of-a-kind polymath. His hands have been in some of the most influential physics, math, politics, and research and development in history. And he's also incredibly well-read, well-traveled, well-acquainted, and creative. His descriptions of people are unparalleled. One of my lifelong goals was to see Freeman Dyson speak in Princeton, but unfortunately he passed away last year.
2. The writing is dense. I think this is why it took me so long to read. Each chapter is an essay. Some essays are really technical. Some of the politics went over my head. This was published over forty years ago. One ding against Freeman: I've heard that he did not really believe in the urgency of global warming. But I don't remember that being touched on much in this book. I skimmed most of Part III - I did not find his writing about the future and space as interesting.
3. The reason why this is one of my favorite books is because of these chapters:
- Chapter 4: The Blood of a Poet. I remember exactly where I was when I read this. I was in the kitchen of a house where I was the counselor for a sleep-away camp. I was glued to the page and about to cry. It was one of the most intense emotions I had felt while reading and as I skim through the chapter now, I cannot appreciate with what intensity I felt - but I believe it.
- Chapter 6: A Ride to Albuquerque. This one features Richard Feynman. I often compare Dyson to Feynman, but this chapter I think exhibits why I prefer Dyson a lot more.
- Chapter 8: Prelude in E-Flat Minor. This is my all-time recommended chapter. How the Prelude comes in is so lovely. The politics of the atomic bomb were so intense and controversial. I cannot imagine being involved.
- Chapter 14: The Murder of Dover Sharp. The opening story is kind of crazy and the discussion of the test ban treaty sounded like the most perfect radio bit you'd hear from NPR.
4. Reading these essays in pieces, over four years, has meant that it's been a constant source of inspiration. I think it's incredibly smart writing and it's proof that people who study math and science do have an invaluable and irrefutable place in politics, foreign affairs, policy, and philosophy.
I will likely reread the above chapters several times in my lifetime.