The Trouble with Physics

The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next

By: Lee Smolin

Narrated by: Walter Dixon

Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

In this illuminating book, the renowned theoretical physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics - the search for the laws of nature - is losing its way. Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the publics imagination - and the imagination of experts. But these ideas have not been tested experimentally, and some, like string theory, seem to offer no possibility of being tested. Yet these speculations dominate the field, attracting the best talent and much of the funding and creating a climate in which emerging physicists are often penalized for pursuing other avenues. As Smolin points out, the situation threatens to impede the very progress of science.

With clarity, passion, and authority, Smolin offers an unblinking assessment of the troubles that face modern physics - and an encouraging view of where the search for the next big idea may lead.

©2007 Lee Smolin (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Courting controversy, Smolin is a reflective, self-confident challenger to pro-string physicist-authors Brian Greene, Leonard Susskind, and Michio Kaku." (Booklist)

Very interesting book

The author discusses the unusual situation of no real progress in physics for the last 3 decades and the quagmire it is currently in. He discusses the history of tossing in extra dimensions to get to a unified theory and the several failures along that path. In the 2nd part of the book he discusses the culture of groupthink in the physics community that would probably make it impossible for someone like Einstein to find a job in physics today (it was already hard for him in his own time).
The only important thing he does not mention is that most science today is funded by tax money coerced out of compliant tax subjects. These subjects are told to NOT think independently, that their preferences with their property are inferior to those of their masters. If you have a culture of subjugation (for most) at the root of the funding of physics, can you really expect these people to look favorably upon independent minds? Can you realistically expect that the influence of this funding can be fire walled? The funders got their money by shouting to subjects "comply or die", does it make sense that they treat the minds of physicists with respect and value someone that strays from the herd?

Interesting but a little whiny

Would you try another book from Lee Smolin and/or Walter Dixon?

I will try another book by Lee Smolin but I wasn't very impressed with this one

Any additional comments?

Although the point of this book (We should spend more time and money on other physics ideas) is well taken I don't think it should have taken 15 hours to make it. I expected more out of this then I got from it.

Physics is in trouble

Apart from some overly detailed sections about particular physics theories, this was an informative insider's view into the structure and processes of the physics community. I totally understand what Smolin is saying about the flaws in the system. It sounds like physics has streamlined and backed itself into a corner out of which its own system is preventing it from breaking free. It sounds kind of cultish, tbh. I thought Smolin made a good effort at suggesting practical ways to fix the problem, but idk that they'll work, since the 'system' is not owned and operated by one entity - it's a culture that by design culls those who question and could help it. Welcome to the Church of String Theory. 

The narrator was ok, but lacked something, perhaps understanding of the subject matter.

An overview of contemporary theorethical Physics

An overview of CTP, the huge shortcomings of String Theory, possible alternatives and the inability of the TP Establishment to pursue new paths and ideas beyond String Theory. Brilliant writing, very good reading. A must read for those familiar with 20/21 century Physics who want to keep being informed of its progress.

Awsome!

Would you listen to The Trouble with Physics again? Why?

Yes, its a nice book with a deep reflexion about why Physics is stuck where it is...

What did you like best about this story?

The historical and sociological context that the author put in discussion and perspective.

Incredibly Important Work About Science Today

What did you like best about this story?

This gave me not only a great introduction to theoretical physics, but also an important look at the current state of science funding and research.

Any additional comments?

Wow. This is an important work for anyone interested or concerned with the current state of science and funding. Beyond the fact that I learned more about theoretical physics and string theory here than any other pop-sci book before, I couldn't get enough of this one. I'll never be able to grasp the hardcore numbers involved in physics of this scope, but I can appreciate the theories and ideas involved. Smolin did a better job explaining it to me than anyone I've read before, and he doesn't even agree with their theory.

I've long known that science funding and research has gotten more and more fuddled up with bias for the in vogue ideas in whatever field one is trying to research, but this book made me realize how much worse it actually is than I had even realized. It made me quite sad tbh, but I'm really glad I read it. I hope that the work Smolin and others are doing to remedy the situation comes about sooner rather than later, so we can advance further as a species in our understanding of the universe and how it works.

Hard Book to Evaluate

This one is tough. I learned a lot and enjoyed the book. If I learn, the book gets stars.

There is a lot of interesting stuff in this book and the writer has a lot of company in his rant against all the scientific resources going to "String Theory" which will probably never be proven true or false.

There is a bit of a taste of resentment in the writing. There's a disdain for those working in String Theory. Okay, that's his opinion. But at times it goes a little over the top.

I would only recommend this book if you are very, very interested in technical physics. Otherwise I don't think you'll enjoy it.

Chris Reich

Hard honest evaluation

Very hard look at the state of the scientific and academic communities. With a focus of , in his view, an in appropriately dominant theory. Is as critical of himself as others.

Loved it!

I really loved this book. I learned a lot about history of Physics and more...

Mixed bag, eventually falls flat

This somewhat dated account of String Theory is a mixed bag. It starts out with a painfully grovelling apologia, explaining that the author's remarks are not to be taken personally by the scientists whose work he then goes on to trash. The theory-puncturing, in the first quarter or so of the main narrative, is pretty good. He then goes into a lengthy, seemingly endless meditation on the cons and pros of String Theory, which boils down to it's a complete failure, but very beautiful, compelling, promising, and on and on. It's like someone who has broken up with the love of their life and can't stop obsessively thinking about them. Get over it, dude! Move on!
What I find particularly offensive is that most of the crap research described by the author is funded by the taxpayer. My money! I conclude that science research should be funded by the private sector. Don't waste my hard earned dollars on endless and very expensive mental masturbation.