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Kunal K. Das
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The Quantum Rules: How the Laws of Physics Explain Love, Success, and Everyday Life Kindle Edition

by Kunal K. Das (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 266 ratings
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A New York Times Best Seller!

Here is a book to lead you through the fascinating intersections of life and physics with humor and intelligence.

Find out how the laws of physics define every aspect of our lives and society, from human nature and relationships to geopolitical issues like financial markets, globalization and immigration. The Quantum Rules is a different kind of physics book, as easy to read as a novel and directly relevant for everyday life issues that affect us all. It is not meant to dazzle you with unproven speculations that have no bearing on your life. Rather, The Quantum Rules will familiarize you with the important and established laws at the heart of physics, in a way never done before – by showing how the defining patterns of our lives, our behavior and our society already follow similar rules.

Never took an interest in science before? No problem! you will still understand everything and find plenty to relate to. A scientist or a science junkie? You will find a different perspective on things you may already know. Best of all, you will discover how to have meaningful conversations about physics in a way that won’t make eyes glaze over, and in which all can gladly participate.

The Quantum Rules also does something you would never expect from a book on physics – it makes you laugh, often. Its new and original take on established natural laws injects plenty of dry humor into this serious subject, by using life to explain physics and in turn using physics to understand life.
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  1. Print length
    322 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Skyhorse
  4. Publication date
    July 21, 2015
  5. File size
    4.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“[The Quantum Guide to Life] is a smartly entertaining way to understand some of the basics of a complicated discipline, and in the process perhaps learn more about ourselves.” (Jo-Ann Greene, Lancaster Newspapers)

About the Author

Kunal K. Das is a Professor of Physics and an active researcher in the fields of Nanotechnology and Ultracold Atoms with ongoing funding from the National Science Foundation. He has authored dozens of refereed journal publications and has held teaching and research appointments at several institutions including SUNY, Penn State, Fordham, Optical Sciences Center, and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Atypically for a physicist, he has a lifelong interest in the humanities and pop culture and a passion for classic literature, giving him a unique view of physical laws from the perspective of broader human experiences. He is currently a Professor at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a Scholar of the Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XQ64MW5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Skyhorse; Reprint edition (July 21, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 21, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 266 ratings

About the author

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Kunal K. Das

Kunal K. Das

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Kunal K. Das is a Professor of Physics and an active researcher in the fields of Nanotechnology and Ultracold Atoms with ongoing funding from the National Science Foundation. He has authored dozens of refereed journal publications and has held teaching and research appointments at several institutions including SUNY, Penn State, Fordham, Optical Sciences Center, and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Atypically for a physicist, he has a lifelong interest in the humanities and pop culture and a passion for classic literature, giving him a unique view of physical laws from the perspective of broader human experiences. He is currently a Professor at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a Scholar of the Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
266 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and thought-provoking. They describe it as an easy, enjoyable read that explains complex concepts in a relatable way. The language is described as witty, down-to-earth, and well-used. Overall, customers appreciate the author's conversational style and find the book entertaining.

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Thought provokingReadabilitySimplicityLanguage quality
32 customers mention "Thought provoking"26 positive6 negative

Customers find the book interesting and engaging. It explains complex theories in a relatable way, providing good insights. The author connects physics to everyday ideas and experiences, making it easy for readers to understand.

"...There is good use of language and metaphors and some places where more or better editing might have prevented the odd word choice...." Read more

"...to some possible ideas in the area of human behavior and Quantum Physics/Mechanics...." Read more

"...title references quantum physics, both classical and quantum physics topics are illuminated and are, in turn, used to provide illumination...." Read more

"...I like provocative imaginative works that expand on what we already know. I love paradox, and this book is nothing if not paradoxical...." Read more

19 customers mention "Readability"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it interesting, entertaining, and informative. The book is described as easy to read and well-written with an intelligent presentation.

"...Caveats aside, though, it was fun to read, it was interesting, the science side had some particularly clear explanations, and I would strongly..." Read more

"...You will emerge with new perspectives. Best read when young and your world paths are unconstrained, but valuable at any age." Read more

"...In summary; the book was good and eye opening - however, it presents limits to our human potential to create and make things happen, at our choice..." Read more

"...is a pretty nifty trick to pull off, but, happily, the author has an enjoyable, conversational style that very nicely allows him to simplify and..." Read more

8 customers mention "Simplicity"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's explanation of quantum physics intuitive and accessible for science laypersons. They appreciate the down-to-earth way it explains concepts that are very complicated in a simple real-life way. The book reads well, is intelligently presented, and has enjoyable word choices.

"...has an enjoyable, conversational style that very nicely allows him to simplify and communicate his vision and insights." Read more

"...The book reads very well, intelligently presented and enjoyable choice of words." Read more

"...some of the primary principles behind quantum physics in a simplified manner that helps a science layperson, like myself, to grasp them...." Read more

"...This book explains concepts that are very complicated in a simple real life way...." Read more

5 customers mention "Language quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's language quality. They find it insightful, witty, and down-to-earth. The author uses good language and metaphors, and the choice of words is enjoyable. Readers appreciate the conversational style and humor.

"...There is good use of language and metaphors and some places where more or better editing might have prevented the odd word choice...." Read more

"...trick to pull off, but, happily, the author has an enjoyable, conversational style that very nicely allows him to simplify and communicate his..." Read more

"...The book reads very well, intelligently presented and enjoyable choice of words." Read more

"funny and entertaining!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jon Morgan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun exploration of the laws of physics and the human condition
    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I very much enjoyed this book. It was interesting, thought-provoking, and I learned a lot. Some of the explanations were clearer than any I had previously come across, both in the world of science and in the world of people and interactions.

    So yes, strongly recommended for if you are looking for something to make you think. But not as a source of gospel truth.
    The book is mainly based on analogies between scientific principles and laws and everyday life. And they are interesting analogies. But they have all the problems of arguing from analogy: some of the analogies are weak or even non-existent, and if you strain an analogy too far you're unlikely to come to truth. Particularly on the "everyday life" side I felt that it was over-simplistic, with lots of generalisations made to fit the analogy, and those generalisations would neither describe my life nor the lives of those I know.

    What it claims to be deep insights from scientific rules sometimes felt to me just to be tenuous analogies between cliches and science.
    And it got old quickly saying things like "It's not my fault. It's the laws of the universe". That just doesn't work when all you have is an analogy.

    Caveats aside, though, it was fun to read, it was interesting, the science side had some particularly clear explanations, and I would strongly recommend it.
    32 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bill Baity
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting trip
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Is this a guide to life, through physics, or an introduction to physics by means of analogies from real life? It could work either way. As an old physicist nerd eager to belatedly learn the secrets of life, I may be one of the few who read all 21 chapters. There are many good insights to be had, as well as some semi- tough slogging in the middle. There is good use of language and metaphors and some places where more or better editing might have prevented the odd word choice. You will emerge with new perspectives. Best read when young and your world paths are unconstrained, but valuable at any age.
    54 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Bill
    3.0 out of 5 stars only a few of the ideas I found useful: For me
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The author opened my thoughts to some possible ideas in the area of human behavior and Quantum Physics/Mechanics. Personally, based on other books I've read, only a few of the ideas I found useful: For me, the author presents a limitation upon the human being (as we are controlled by various laws of physics). However, I've come to believe, based on other findings in Quantum Mechanics that our will, thoughts and choices are free and can, if understood to some degree, go beyond boundaries found in the laws of physics that give the possible presentation of limits within the framework of the laws. I believe, based on what I have read, that our thoughts are what changes and causes things to happen, however, belief, has to be the foundation. In summary; the book was good and eye opening - however, it presents limits to our human potential to create and make things happen, at our choice and will.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • George B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, enlightening, and thought-provoking
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    In this intriguing book, the author uses physics to suggest new ways of thinking about various aspects of the human experience while also using various facets of our personal experiences to expand our understanding of physics. Even though the title references quantum physics, both classical and quantum physics topics are illuminated and are, in turn, used to provide illumination. Along with physics, broad social interactions, intimate relationships, global and personal economics, happiness, and other pieces of life’s puzzle are in play, and even the most familiar areas are lit in a thought-provoking way. All this is a pretty nifty trick to pull off, but, happily, the author has an enjoyable, conversational style that very nicely allows him to simplify and communicate his vision and insights.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jim Romo
    4.0 out of 5 stars Philosophy AND Physics! Wow.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I love to read...anything but fiction. BUT life IS stranger than fiction. This book intrigues me and makes me work at reading it. I like provocative imaginative works that expand on what we already know. I love paradox, and this book is nothing if not paradoxical. Philosophy AND Physics? Wow. As good as it gets in my opinion. Extends my intuitive feeling (subjective?) that human behavior, being BOTH Human Nature AND Animal nature is the most complicated aspect of Nature anywhere. We aren't born with operating manuals; this book is a fair interpretation of one.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Derek Webb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, witty, educational, & down to earth!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Dear readers,
         I just finished Kunal Das' recent work, The Quantum Guide To Life.  This is a witty book describing physics and human nature. Das describes many topics and how they relate to fundamental laws of our universe.  Globalization is discussed as a cultural-economic transformation creating an unavoidable new hybrid world.  The post World War II world sees analysis concerning "socio-economic gradients" that became glaringly apparent eventually raising the developing world's living standards. Even the delicate issue of immigration from Third World countries is covered with the accurate analogy of a dam.  Finally, Das insightfully states a formula for success = "Disciplined hard work x persistence x aggressive pursuit of goals."  I highly recommend this book.  Sincerely, D. Webb
    36 people found this helpful
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  • R. Lansdowne
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Lighthearted Romp Through Psychology and Physics
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A light-hearted application of the laws of physics to human nature. And incidentally, not a bad overview of physics itself, though probably more of a "physics for jocks" than "in depth." That's understandable - if it was burdened down with mathematical equations, it wouldn't sell as well, or be as comprehensive. I told my wife that my laziness wasn't my fault, that it was due to the second law of thermodynamics. It still didn't wash with her. ;-)
    8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Lyne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on April 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Great read, easy to understand and great thought provoking book. I am really enjoying it.
    Report
  • Atul Motghare
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
    Reviewed in India on February 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    How laws of physics rule in our day to day life and how they are related to all human affiars , politics , sociology , psychology etc etc are beautifully explained in this book.
    Report
  • Jon Morgan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun exploration of the laws of physics and the human condition
    Reviewed in Australia on December 8, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I very much enjoyed this book. It was interesting, thought-provoking, and I learned a lot. Some of the explanations were clearer than any I had previously come across, both in the world of science and in the world of people and interactions.

    So yes, strongly recommended for if you are looking for something to make you think. But not as a source of gospel truth.
    The book is mainly based on analogies between scientific principles and laws and everyday life. And they are interesting analogies. But they have all the problems of arguing from analogy: some of the analogies are weak or even non-existent, and if you strain an analogy too far you're unlikely to come to truth. Particularly on the "everyday life" side I felt that it was over-simplistic, with lots of generalisations made to fit the analogy, and those generalisations would neither describe my life nor the lives of those I know.

    What it claims to be deep insights from scientific rules sometimes felt to me just to be tenuous analogies between cliches and science.
    And it got old quickly saying things like "It's not my fault. It's the laws of the universe". That just doesn't work when all you have is an analogy.

    Caveats aside, though, it was fun to read, it was interesting, the science side had some particularly clear explanations, and I would strongly recommend it.
    Report
  • books
    5.0 out of 5 stars How physics can help
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 5, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting look at real world applications for quantum theory.Nice explainations of quantum theory as well.Thought provoking and entertaining.Interesting take on the real world and the quantum one.
    Report
  • LNN
    4.0 out of 5 stars Just fine
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Just fine
    Report

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