Physics for Future Presidents

The Science Behind the Headlines

By: Richard A. Muller

Narrated by: Pete Larkin

We live in complicated, dangerous times. They are also hyper-technical times. As citizens who will elect future presidents of the most powerful and influential world, we need to know - truly understand, not just rely on television's talking heads - if Iran's nascent nuclear capability is a genuine threat to the West, if biochemical weapons are likely to be developed by terrorists, if there are viable alternatives to fossil fuels that should be nurtured and supported by the government, if nuclear power should be encouraged, and if global warming is actually happening.

Written in everyday, nontechnical language, Physics for Future Presidents explains the science behind the concerns that our nation faces in the immediate future. Even active readers of serious journalism will be surprised at the lessons contained herein. It is must-have information for all presidents - and citizens - of the 21st century.

©2006 Richard A. Muller (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Should be required reading for all informed citizens, as well as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain." ( Publishers Weekly)

scientific analysis that every layman needs

everyone who desires to understand how the world economy functions according to physics needs to listen to this book and internalize the lessons

Very dated, passive aggressive political stance

Much of the information on global warming out of date.

Not crazy about the author inferring that he is just presenting facts while subtly injecting his viewpoint. Should just come out and say, "In my opinion...". Would be easier to respect his message, even if I disagree.

Dated but still highly relevant.

physics don't change. it's a great way to learn energy limits, nukes, and climate change science.

Lots of good information

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The commentary tends to the conservative side of politics, has if everybody has had enough of science profreessors messing around with politics.

Any additional comments?

Recommended by a science orientated

fun to listen to when cooking!

I loved to listen each morning as I cooked breakfast. i found it very very interesting, lots of fun numbers and calculations to ponder!

Physics for policy makers

Concise and well-reasoned. Originally saw videos of professor on youtube. This one delivers and never loses the listener.

Excellent book

This book tackles many important current science topics. The author does this in an independent and fair minded way. His explanations are clear and accurate, and the book was a pleasure to listen to. Even as a long time physics teacher, I learned a lot from it.

healthy food for the curious brain 🧠

perfect narration, tons and tons of information and statistics that are broken down to a level that us average Joe's without physics degrees can understand.
perfect book.

Awesome

This book should be required reading, listening, for highschool kids!

Its very good and can be enjoyed by any level of education and political leaning.

Hard Topics Covered Well

i really wish some of these books came with a PDF of the images and sources. Quotes weren't distinguished well, but all in all, some very complex topics were broken down into bipartisan solutions. Definitely a book I'll come back to.