In this book, Randall Munroe applies rigorous scientific principles to solve mundane tasks through extreme, impractical methods. He uses physics, chemistry, and ballistics to evaluate scenarios like crossing a river by boiling the water away or landing a plane using only a fire extinguisher for thrust. Each chapter poses a simple question—how to dig a hole, tell the time, or take a selfie—and answers it by calculating the real-world consequences of utilizing laser arrays, tectonic plates, or lunar orbits. Through technical diagrams and stick-figure illustrations, Munroe documents the logic behind these over-engineered solutions.
Analytical readers who enjoy unconventional problem-solving and dry humor find value in these calculated absurdities. It appeals to those interested in STEM who want to see foundational laws of science applied to ridiculous hypotheticals. Readers finish the book with a better understanding of orbital mechanics and energy transfer, gaining a perspective that treats every small obstacle as an opportunity for elaborate engineering and data-driven speculation.
Outward-looking and growth-minded; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Practical Optimizer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2019
- Language
- EN
