Book Recommendation

[kinch]

Two reasons. First, I want to read something outside of my normal stomping grounds in the humanities and social sciences. I think it is a good exercise to do from time to time in order to expand one's thinking. For whatever reason, the nature of light was always an area that interested me when I was younger, especially its dual nature as both particle and wavelength, but I never had the time to study it. Second, I want to know what our scientific knowledge has to say about light because I would like to contemplate the possibility of light existing prior to the primary natural sources we attribute it to (i.e. stars).

First, I will second, or fifth or sixth as it may be, the recommendation to read The Elegant Universe. It is an excellent work that is as expansive as possible, for its time, without actually describing the equations involved in string theory. A follow-up read would be beneficial, however, as the book is dated, though only minorly.

I think that you would appreciate a read of something regarding m-theory as it is the only theory of which I know that relates some theory as to existence before, and outside, the big bang. I just don't know of a good work. I only made it partly through Brian Greene's second book, recommended above, before I lost interest in the matter from his voice (though I had also read similar discussions by others, so that may be why).

Finally, regarding light, photons came to exist only after a certain amount of cooling took place in the universe (if you buy the big bang). The nature of the first photons is interesting and something that I have read about only in passing. Under the theory of the big bang photons at first couldn't go anywhere, there was too much "crap" in the way. Eventually they could, and we use this light now to measure the universe, to make a simplified comment. To study the original photons that got the chance to spread their wings, you should read specifically about cosmic background radiation, which happens to be a great way to discover why scientists believe that the big bang occurred at all. Before buying a book on this, if they exist, flip through - I may be totally wrong here. . .

Unfortunately, the best articles I know on this, in Science and Nature, cost money to view. If you find yourself in a library, as somehow I feel you might, you can find articles that are relevant first online and then hit the microfiche. Old school!

While I am here, if you name one book that might make me recognize a need to find faith, I would be glad to read it, as I tend to read books of the counterpoint. . .

 

[Taosman]

"The Future of Freedom" by Fareed Zakaria (self explanatory)

 

[BB73]

"The Future of Freedom" by Fareed Zakaria (self explanatory)

I'm guessing you didn't read the first post of the thread, only its title, and just decided to toss an unrelated brain-fart in here.

 

[Taosman]

Read the whole thread. It's a limited subject, made another suggestion.
So, just what exactly is your point?

 

[BB73]

Read the whole thread. It's a limited subject, made another suggestion.

I stand corrected.

 

[Taosman]

OK! It's cool!