On Progress In Physics

No! Or let’s say: not only. The book’s main purpose is to analyze how progress in physics came about, and what we can learn from it. Today, this aspect is often neglected; the focus is solely on the outcomes. Yes, the outcomes are what counts at the end of the day. But if we only have a superficial understanding of the path toward them, we’ll never get to the big new discoveries.

The book also analyzes a few specific theories. However, the purpose is not to argue that any of them are true (or false). Instead, they should only illustrate how the identified principles of progress in physics could be applied.

Ultimately, the book seeks to unravel novel approaches to problem-solving in physics, providing plenty of inspiration for the reader. And even if it fails at that, at least it’s a fun read.

The book delves into many thought-provoking questions such as:

• What role does simplification, unification, and beauty play in physics?
• Why has there been only slow progress in fundamental physics in the last decades?
• Can we break down the creative process required to come up with new theories?
• What role do assumptions play in physics?
• What are the historical lessons from major discoveries?
• What should be our attitude toward refutations?
• How shall we think about the way we think?
• How is psychology relevant for progress in physics?
• What are the right problems to work on?
• What parallels does chess have to physics?
• Will the new solutions be surprising?
• Are there common traits among top physicists?
• Will unlearning be required to reach the big new theories?
• How can the scientific mindset be characterized?
• How can we make physics fun?
• What role does the subconscious mind play in generating great ideas?
• Can mathematics be trusted as a guide for new discoveries?
• Can we predict breakthroughs?
• Can outsiders also contribute to progress in physics?
• Will the next big ideas come from individuals or groups?
• …and many more!

These questions are discussed in an easy-to-follow dialogue format between A(lice) and B(obby). To get a taste of it, please have a look at the OPIP blog.

You guessed it, N. Otre Le Vant is a pen name. Why use that? A key statement in the book is that arguments should be assessed by their merit, not by who made them. Just because a likable person says something doesn’t make it true, and the opposite holds as well. We must separate the art from the artist. Therefore, my name is also not relevant. With a little tweak in spacing, it transforms into the French- and smart-sounding (at least to my ear) pseudonym N. Otre Le Vant.

That said, I also don’t want to come across as hiding or being a coward. I’m this guy, founder of Inisev, a company running various online tools and software, including several WordPress plugins, a news platform, and a non-profit initiative to increase global happiness.

As for the domain extension Opip.lol, there were two reasons for choosing it. First, the domain name was still available. Second, another key idea in the book is that we should maintain an ambivalent stance toward our thoughts and theories. On the one hand, if they resonate with us, we should stick with them and develop them further. On the other hand, we must never forget that they may also be utter baloney. Only this mindset keeps us capable of dismissing incorrect theories and spending our time on more promising ones. The .lol (laugh out loud) extension captures this idea well.

Some love it, and all others should go to hell!

On a more serious note, you can find the book’s ratings and reviews on RateItAll.

The book is available in digital and printed versions, starting from 15.98 USD. See all options here.