No-Nonsense Books, 2020. — 251 p.
This is a handbook containing all the advice and recommendations about learning physics I wished someone had told me when I was younger. It is neither a career guide nor a comprehensive textbook.
Understand why self-learning is an effective strategy. Learn why most university students never develop a deep understanding and what alternatives are possible. Grasp the internal structure of physics. Learn how the fundamental theories of physics are connected and why physics works at all. Develop an understanding of the landscape. Read bird's eye overviews that give a first taste of what the various theories of physics are all about. Everything you need to get started. Read detailed reading and learning recommendations that allow you to carve out a personal learning path.
The Plan
Why Should You Teach Yourself Physics?
Why Should You Teach Yourself Physics?The Joy of Backpacking
Hill Climbers and Valley Crossers
Why Should You Teach Yourself Physics?Bird's Eye View of Physics
The Structure of PhysicsThe Cube of Physics
Why Physics Works
Formulations and Interpretations
Classical MechanicsWhy Learn Classical Mechanics?
Bird's Eye View of Classical Mechanics
How To Understand The Fundamentals
Map of Classical Mechanics
How To Level Up
ElectrodynamicsWhy Learn Electrodynamics?
Bird's Eye View of Electrodynamics
How To Understand The Fundamentals
Map of Electrodynamics
How To Level Up
Special RelativityWhy Learn Special Relativity?
Bird's Eye View of Special Relativity
How To Understand The Fundamentals
Map of Special Relativity
How To Level Up
Quantum MechanicsWhy Learn Quantum Mechanics?
Bird's Eye View of Quantum Mechanics
How To Understand The Fundamentals
Map of Quantum Mechanics
How To Level Up
Quantum Field TheoryWhy Learn Quantum Field Theory?
Bird's Eye View of Quantum Field Theory
How To Understand The Fundamentals
Map of Quantum Field Theory
How To Level Up
General RelativityWhy Learn General Relativity?
Bird's Eye View of General Relativity
How To Understand The Fundamentals
Map of General Relativity
How To Level Up
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Learn How to Learn
Learn How to ThinkBiases and Fallacies
Mathematics
History and the Big Picture
Philosophy
Sociology
One Thing You Must Understand
The Master KeyTeach
Jump
Practice
Time
Beyond DogmaPhysics Beyond Dogma
Leveling Up
Closing Words
FAQ
Bibliography