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Much of the information on global warming out of date.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!

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.

must read for all open minded people

A very valuable compilation of important facts bearing on important issues which are presented in an accessible format. In my view, these are presented as objectively and non-ideologically as is reasonably possible and for that reason the book is likely to draw attacks from both the far left and the far right. This is especially likely to be true for the chapters on global warming. On the one hand, it debunks many of the distortions and hyperbole of the doomsday alarmists, especially Al Gore in 'An Inconvenient Truth.' On the other, it does accept the likelihood that global warming is occurring, is probably largely man-caused and should be addressed, but only in ways that make sense and not by following many of the programs of this administration and the green fanatics, like electric cars, ethanol subsidies and extensive investment in solar power.

Read this one instead of listening to it

The book refers to graphs and tables and pictures that would have been interesting to see and until the audio format technology allows for them to show on the devise you're listening on, I'd go for the actual printed book. That being said, the content is interesting and I learned a lot.

Good information, a little dated.

Any additional comments?

It is good to listen to and will give some good background information. With the rapid progression of technology and evolution of world economics, I feel it needs some updating.