Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman
by Richard Feynman
Mentioned once across 1 show · first heard Jan 2026 on Huberman Lab.
The general take
Andrew Huberman considers "Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman" to be a wonderful book of short stories that showcase Feynman's curiosity and mischievous nature—he highlights how Feynman would do things like pick locks at Los Alamos and expose security vulnerabilities to make a point. Huberman clearly sees it as worthwhile reading for anyone interested in Feynman's unconventional approach to problem-solving and life.
About
One of the most famous science books of our time, the phenomenal national bestseller that "buzzes with energy, anecdote and life. It almost makes you want to become a physicist" ( Science Digest ). Richard P. Feynman, winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, thrived on outrageous adventures. In this lively work that “can shatter the stereotype of the stuffy scientist” ( Detroit Free Press ), Feynman recounts his experiences trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and cracking the uncrackable safes guarding the most deeply held nuclear secrets―and much more of an eyebrow-raising nature. In his stories, Feynman’s life shines through in all its eccentric glory―a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, and raging chutzpah. Included for this edition is a new introduction by Bill Gates.
Who said what
Andrew Huberman👍 Recommends
…referencing richard feynman autobiography about playful tinkering
“If you read any of the books about Feynman or by Feynman, surely you're joking Mr. Feynman, or what do you care what other people think? These are wonderful short stories, mostly about Feynman doing things like picking all the locks at the Los Alamos laboratory and putting all the top secret documents out on the floor of the office so that when people came in in the morning, they were all out there.”
Huberman Lab — Essentials: Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brainat 24:01
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