Science and Natural History discussion

Happy New Year! Post your questions, comments and outrages here to share and discuss with other members.

Happy New Year!

Both of this month's selections have been on my to-read shelf for a while, but this one was on my physical bookshelf too, so it gets read first.

I keep finding myself flipping forwards and getting excited to see all that's left to address. I just reached Part III today, so just barely into the actual string theory bit, but all that came before it I found very stimulating.

Unfortunately, Greene is doing a good job, so I have no questions or outrages yet... :)

Anyone else reading The Elegant Universe?

Yes indeed. And I absolutely agree with your assessment thus far. Greene does an excellent job of constructing a coherent and cohesive narrative and I've found the book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read (I have around 80 pages to go). The clarity of his writing is superb and his analogies never leave you wishing for further illustration. I am particularly fond of his notes in which - for those of you yet to read the book - he frequently provides additional detail which was deliberately omitted from the main text.

Agreed on the notes. To future readers, bring extra bookmarks!

One thing that keeps bugging me a bit is the idea of a one-dimensional undulating string. I know there's much more ahead in the discussion of dimensions, and my confusion is likely just a product of trying to visualise this within the 3 or 4 dimensions my brain is used to contemplating, but... one dimension? Gah!

(now if you'll excuse me, my ignorance is showing...)