The Art of Physics

Ebook

How Science Explains the Chaos, Contradictions, and Unpredictability of Life

Can physics change your life? It already has.

"What does complex system theory teach us about getting fired? How does the study of subatomic particles help us predict elections? In his insightful and entertaining new book, Zahaan Bharmal applies lessons from physics to identify elegant explanations for our messy world."—Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Slow Productivity and Deep Work

Drawing on insights from quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, chaos theory, and more, The Art of Physics reveals the surprising and sometimes beautiful ways physics can help us understand the chaos and unpredictability of our universe, answering questions such as:

• Why are some relationships unstable, while others last a lifetime?
• Why do we make irrational decisions and how can they affect climate change?
• Why is polling for an election unreliable?
• Why does it matter when I ask my son if he ate his vegetables?

Through a unique mix of personal stories, the exploration of global issues, science, and even humor, Bharmal uses physics to explain the social and political interactions that affect us all. From the physics of getting fired to using chaos theory to predict civilisation-level catastrophes, The Art of Physics helps answer some of the most important questions facing our lives and society today.

In our constant need for reason, The Art of Physics shows how we can find solace and understanding in physics.