The Art of Physics

Can physics change your life? It already has.

"What does complex system theory teach us about getting fired? How does the study of subatomic particles help us predict elections? In his insightful and entertaining new book, Zahaan Bharmal applies lessons from physics to identify elegant explanations for our messy world."—Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Slow Productivity and Deep Work

Drawing on insights from quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, chaos theory, and more, The Art of Physics reveals the surprising and sometimes beautiful ways physics can help us understand the chaos and unpredictability of our universe, answering questions such as:

• Why are some relationships unstable, while others last a lifetime?
• Why do we make irrational decisions and how can they affect climate change?
• Why is polling for an election unreliable?
• Why does it matter when I ask my son if he ate his vegetables?

Through a unique mix of personal stories, the exploration of global issues, science, and even humor, Bharmal uses physics to explain the social and political interactions that affect us all. From the physics of getting fired to using chaos theory to predict civilisation-level catastrophes, The Art of Physics helps answer some of the most important questions facing our lives and society today.

In our constant need for reason, The Art of Physics shows how we can find solace and understanding in physics.

Zahaan Bharmal read physics at the University of Oxford. His early career was spent as a policy adviser and speech writer on Whitehall and at the World Bank, where he worked on a range of domestic and international policy issues. In 2005, he won a Fulbright scholarship to Stanford University where he earned an MBA. Since graduating, he has worked for Google, based in London and Silicon Valley and is currently senior director of strategy. Outside work, Zahaan writes about science for the Guardian and has won NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for services to science communication. He is a trustee of the National Autistic Society and lives in Yorkshire with his wife and two young sons.