12 people who will make you fall in love with science

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Real stars of the scientific world who talk about complex things in such an exciting way that it is impossible to tear yourself away.

Brian Greene

What to read: books "" and "".

Brian Greene is one of the most popular string theorists. He is known to a wide audience primarily thanks to the books "The Elegant Universe" and "The Fabric of Space", in which string theory and M-theory are presented in a simple and accessible language. "Elegant Universe" formed the basis of the series of the same name: in it leading string theorists Steven Weinberg and Sheldon Lee Glashow talk about the structure of the universe according to the laws of quantum physics and the theory of relativity.

Isaac Asimov

What to read: the series of novels "Foundation", the collection of stories "I, the Robot" and the cycle of novels "Galactic Empire".

This person needs no introduction. In addition to being one of the “big three” science fiction writers, along with Arthur Clarke and Robert Heinlein, Asimov was able to develop three laws of robotics - the fundamental principles that should form the basis of the development of artificial intelligence. Until humanity has learned to create machines similar to those found in the works of the writer. However, I am confident that Isaac Asimov's laws will be taken into account in the future.

Carl Sagan

What to see and read: film and science fiction novel "Contact" and mini-series "Space: Personal Journey".

The outstanding American astronomer and astrophysicist was not only a respected scientist, but also tried to convey his ideas to a wide audience. And he did it very well. The series "Cosmos" still serves as a starting point for those who are beginning to become interested in astronomy and science in general. In addition, Sagan gave impetus to the SETI project to search for extraterrestrial life. He believed that we are not alone in the Universe, and dedicated the science fiction novel Contact, based on which the film of the same name, was dedicated to this topic.

Watch the film "Contact" on Google Play →

Watch the movie "Contact" in iTunes →

Michio Kaku

What to read: "Physics of the Future", "Physics of the Impossible", "The Future of Mind".

If you have studied the works of Stephen Hawking up and down, then you can safely take up the work of Michio Kaku. The Japanese theoretical physicist can be seen in scientific documentaries such as Discovery: How the Universe Works. However, the most complete picture of the world around him is offered by his books. Like science fiction novels, they are filled with ideas and speculations about us and our future. Michio Kaku talks about artificial intelligence, teleportation, force fields and extraterrestrial civilizations.

Richard Feynman

What to read: collection "", book "Of course you are kidding, Mr. Feynman."

The Nobel laureate made a great contribution to theoretical physics, but he spent no less effort on popularizing science. The Feynman Lectures on Physics have been widely distributed throughout the world. This collection covers all aspects of physics: from mathematical calculations to its relationship with other sciences. And if you are looking for inspiration or want to while away the weekend, then be sure to read the autobiographical work "Of course you are kidding, Mr. Feynman."

Stephen Hawking

What to read: A Brief History of Time, Black Holes and Young Universes.

The theoretical physicist has inspired musicians, creators of comics, and was also a frequent guest on TV shows and, of course, appeared in The Simpsons. A man of outstanding intelligence and large-scale views on the structure of the Universe, Stephen Hawking has published many books that will easily explain to you what Hawking radiation is and why black holes age.

In addition to books, Stephen Hawking has worked on TV series. The latter include Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking and The Grand Design According to Stephen Hawking. And if you want to get acquainted with the biography of the scientist, pay attention to the film "Stephen Hawking's Universe".

Watch Stephen Hawking Universe on Google Play →

Watch Stephen Hawking Universe on iTunes →

Richard Dawkins

What to read: "Selfish gene", "God as an illusion."

Evolutionary biologist, Darwinist and staunch atheist Richard Dawkins has been attacked more than once for criticizing religion. Nevertheless, he is one of the few scientists capable of thoroughly and reasonably explaining the evolution of the human species from the point of view of genetics.

In his works, Richard Dawkins does not stop at biology and affects all aspects of modern life: society, human consciousness and even technology. If you are not an ardent fan of creationism, be sure to check out his books.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson

What to see and read: TV series "Space: Space and Time", article "Perimeter of Ignorance" (translation), book "Death in the Black Hole".

You may know the charismatic astrophysicist by his role as the host of the documentary series "Space: Space and Time", and especially attentive ones noticed him in the movie "Batman v Superman". Neil DeGrasse Tyson is promoting science to the masses in every possible way: in books, on radio and television. He talks about many things: in the work entitled "Death in a Black Hole" you will learn about the origin of the Universe, and about the physics of elementary particles. In his article "The Perimeter of Ignorance," Neil DeGrasse Tyson discusses religion and science.

Karl Zimmer

What to read: "Evolution: Triumph of an Idea", "".

Karl Zimmer is a popular science writer for The New York Times, Discovery magazines and National Geographic. After reading his books on the theory of evolution and the study of E. coli, you will definitely reconsider your attitude towards microbiology and biology in general. In his works, the author not only talks about the evolution of microorganisms, but also draws parallels with our life.

Oliver Sachs

What to read: “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”, “Hallucinations”, “The Eye of Reason”.

The human brain never ceases to amaze researchers. Neurologist, neuropsychologist and popularizer of science Oliver Sachs can confirm this. Throughout his practice, he collected many amazing stories of people suffering from mental and neurological diseases, and then vividly and interestingly laid out the essence of these ailments.

Martin Gardner

What to read: "The theory of relativity for millions".

No one talks about mathematics as interestingly as Martin Gardner. He knows the approach to readers and speaks about science brightly, captivatingly and with humor. Even such a topic as the theory of relativity, he can present in such a way that it will be impossible to break away from reading.

Bill Bryson

What to read: «»

If you just feel a passionate thirst for knowledge, read "A Brief History of Almost Everything in the World." If all the other members of this list worked in one direction, then Bill Bryson writes literally about everything. And he does it in such a way that his books are as fascinating as detective stories.