Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

What Is the Standard Model of Physics? Michio Kaku Explains

What is the Standard Model of physics? How close is it to a unified theory? What’s it missing? Scientists have yet to figure out the unifying theory—what theoretical physicist Michio Kaku calls “the God Equation.” But, physicists have made a great deal of progress using an intermediate step toward that theory. They refer to it as the Standard Model. Keep reading to understand the Standard Model, what it tells us about the universe, and what it doesn’t explain.

The Chevalier Incident: Oppenheimer’s Opportunity for Treason

What did J. Robert Oppenheimer discuss with Haakon Chevalier? Why did Oppenheimer lie to the FBI about it? When J. Robert Oppenheimer was fighting to keep his security clearance after World War II, the Chevalier incident threatened to sink his efforts—and his career. Biographers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin explain the affair in their 2006 book American Prometheus. Continue reading to learn about the intriguing Chevalier incident.

Albert Camus: Absurdity Is Man’s Futile Search for Meaning

Does it ever feel like life is just, well, ridiculous? What does Albert Camus mean by absurdity? According to Albert Camus, absurdity defines our lives. He observes that we search for meaning and purpose and ask huge questions about our existence. But, for all our searching and asking, we come up with just beliefs, theories, and hopes—and always come up short of certainty. Read more to learn about Camus’s philosophy of the absurd.

Oppenheimer’s Security Clearance Hearing: Tactics & Result

Why did the Atomic Energy Commission want to revoke J. Robert Oppenheimer’s security clearance? How did the drama unfold, and how did it end? J. Robert Oppenheimer was a scientist. But, he had political enemies who, time and time again, raised concerns over his apparent ties with—and leanings toward—communism. This all came to a head in 1953 when his security clearance, and therefore his career, came under threat. Continue reading to learn about Oppenheimer’s security clearance hearing.

Einstein & Unified Theory: How Relativity Advances the Quest

What problems of science did Einstein solve? How did he push the quest for a unified theory forward? For centuries, scientists have looked for a single theory that would unify different fields of science, providing one equation that gives us a complete understanding of the universe. In The God Equation, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku discusses Albert Einstein’s contributions to the quest. Continue reading to learn about Einstein and unified theory.

Examples of Absurdism: Sisyphus & Others Who Press On

Why did Albert Camus use Sisyphus as his primary model for absurdism? Why did Camus consider Sisyphus to be fulfilled in life? In his definitive philosophical essay The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus argues that human existence is fundamentally absurd. This is because the human drive for purpose and meaning is at odds with the reality that death is inevitable and humanity is cosmically insignificant. Read more to learn about the figure of Sisyphus and other examples of absurdism from Camus and elsewhere.

J. Robert Oppenheimer After the Bomb: The Embattled Advocate

What did J. Robert Oppenheimer do after World War II? Were his political enemies successful? Biographers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin suggest that, after the war, Oppenheimer’s life was marked by his consistent advocacy for transparency and regulation in nuclear policy. Then, a politically motivated hearing effectively ousted him from the upper echelon of the US government. Read more to learn what happened to Oppenheimer after the bomb.

Michio Kaku: Quantum Physics & the God Equation

What surprising things does quantum physics tell us about motion and how matter functions? What’s the most powerful force known in nature? For centuries, scientists have sought a resolution that some call “the God equation”—a single theory that would unify physics, cancel out its contradictions, and provide one simple, underlying equation from which we can derive a complete understanding of the universe. According to Michio Kaku, quantum physics makes a vital contribution to this quest. Read more to learn about this fascinating field.

Embrace the Absurd: Albert Camus’s Advice for a Fulfilled Life

Don't Wait to be Happy — Use Love to Get Happiness

What’s the meaning of life? Why does Albert Camus think that’s a ridiculous question to ask? The existentialist philosopher Albert Camus believes that, ultimately, life is absurd. We search in vain for meaning and purpose because it’s impossible to find them. He says we can choose to live in denial of this reality, end our own lives, or accept the absurd reality we inhabit. Keep reading to learn why Camus believes we should embrace the absurd.

The Neurology of ADHD: 2 Psychiatrists Explain the ADHD Brain

What, exactly, is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? What term for this condition might be more accurate and less judgmental? Edward Hallowell—a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD—and John Ratey—a professor of psychiatry—are the authors of ADHD 2.0. They also have ADHD themselves. Their book, published in 2021, explores recent developments in the field of psychiatry to help people understand this condition. Read more to learn what scientists now understand about the neurology of ADHD.