I saw Differential Equations for Dummies at a local bookstore, a few steps from there I saw String Theory for Dummies.
Sure the Dummies book are humorous and actually have some very good information.
But look, Differential Equations IS NOT FOR DUMMIES. String Theory IS FOR THE EXTREME SMARTIES.
Differential Equations is for college students (who survived a couple semesters of calculus). String Theory is for some exceptional bright students who already have good understanding of classical and quantum physics and not afraid of multi-dimensions.
If you're really a dummy, stay out of these topics.
"A Reference For the Rest of Us" should be aimed at poorly written documents, such as the DOS manuals. But is ANYONE still using plain DOS?
I find it a bit of insulting to see Dummies titles for advanced topics (though the content is very good).
For a real differential equation book, gee, I can't even recommend one. Any advanced calculus text should have a section on that.... Differential equations come in when you deal with tough engineering problems and stuff, only the pros need it. For a famous $1 million unsolved differential equation, take a look at Navier-Stokes
For a gentle introduction to string theory, go to Brian Greene. But I have to admit I don't understand much of his work!
Most people will faint if they see professional mathematics involved.
1 comment:
I'm the author of String Theory For Dummies.
The book is not intended to train you how to actually DO string theory, but to understand the concepts that lie at the heart of string theory. You do not have to be an "extreme smarty" to want, or achieve, that level of understanding. An average smarty will do.
My goal when writing the book was to create an accessible guide to the topic for the non-expert or student, and for those who find Brian Greene's excellent explanations a bit too involved and intimidating. I explained the concepts conceptually, without any actual mathematics required, and since it's a reference book on the subject, get into some areas which Greene doesn't explore too much - such as alternatives to string theory that don't require extra dimensions. While Brian Greene devotes about two paragraphs to the idea of 2-time physics (two time dimensions), I explore this work for a couple of pages.
Sorry to have insulted you. :)
All the best,
Andrew
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