The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen-Scientist

Many appreciate Richard P. Feynman's contributions to  twentieth-century physics, but few realize how engaged he was with the  world around him -- how deeply and thoughtfully he considered the  religious, political, and social issues of his day. Now, a wonderful  book -- based on a previously unpublished, three-part public lecture he  gave at the University of Washington in 1963 -- shows us this other side  of Feynman, as he expounds on the inherent conflict between science and  religion, people's distrust of politicians, and our universal  fascination with flying saucers, faith healing, and mental telepathy.  Here we see Feynman in top form: nearly bursting into a Navajo war  chant, then pressing for an overhaul of the English language (if you  want to know why Johnny can't read, just look at the spelling of  "friend"); and, finally, ruminating on the death of his first wife from  tuberculosis. This is quintessential Feynman -- reflective, amusing, and  ever enlightening.