STEM
to the new generation of humans or alien species that spawns in the aftermath of the asteroid but Feynman was an avid writer so there is a variety of material for them to choose from. The first work of Feynman they should probably read is ‘Six Easy Pieces’ which is a collection of his ‘easiest’ lectures, this then facilitates the transition into ‘Six Not-So-Easy Pieces’. Both works employ Feynman’s witty style of writing which makes complicated ideas engaging and slightly easier to grasp. Aside from gaining knowledge on theory from Feynman’s work the new generation will also develop a new way of thinking. During his lifetime he did a significant amount of work on quantum mechanics winning the 1965 Nobel Prize for Physics due to his work on quantum electrodynamics. He also introduced the concept of nanotechnology whilst contributing to suggestions on quantum computing and quantum gravity theories. Feynman specialised in theoretical physics and the details of his success stories and failures could encourage critical thinking and innovation. In the words of Feynman “If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don’t”, physicists are completely aware that they don’t fully understand it, but quantum mechanics is still an intriguing area of study that might inspire scientific ambition in the new generation to continue Feynman’s research. In conclusion, if an asteroid were going to completely decimate life on earth, I think Feynman’s works are important to preserve because they would provide the post-asteroid generation with the understanding needed to rebuild society and in the worst-case scenario, they would have plenty of paper to fuel a fire.
In the unfortunate event that a large asteroid was headed on an unstoppable collision course towards the earth, life as we know it could come to an end. In order for the new post-asteroid generation to rebuild and survive, I recommend that the works of prominent twentieth-century physicist Richard Feynman are preserved. Feynman, despite being slightly eccentric, was a brilliant teacher and is often referred to as “The Great Explainer” due to the fact that he was able to explain complex elements of theoretical physics in understandable terms. He was described as a brilliant communicator and was undoubtedly one of the top physicists with his name often seen alongside the likes of Einstein, Maxwell and Faraday. The principles and theories that form physics today have taken centuries to develop and we still do not have the full picture that illustrates the world around us. ‘The Feynman Lectures’ published in 1964, were based around the undergraduate course Feynman taught at Caltech and they are amongst the most popular and accessible physics reading materials around today. There are fifty-two chapters starting from the foundations of physics with lectures discussing topics such as matter, gravity and motion. The content then gradually progresses all the way to topics including thermodynamics and the relationship between physics and the other sciences. ‘The Feynman Lectures’ are a comprehensive introduction to physics in the twentieth century and they still hold significant value today. Additionally, ‘The Feynman Lectures’ have been pivotal in tackling qualms in areas of engineering and prove Feynman’s work is not limited to physics alone. Admittedly the fifty-two chapters of ‘The Feynman Lectures’ might appear daunting
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