★★★★☆
“How can I work with the world, not against it?”
Often there is a common frustration among science students about the practical applications of their subjects to day-to-day life. The truth is that there are mental models embedded within core scientific laws, which are applicable to your overall future success outside of science. From a practical philosophy perspective, there is value in these models, beyond the standard limitations of scientific thinking. “There is meaning beyond matter.”
The book segments models across Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Scientists in their respective domains usually don’t appreciate (instead they criticise) the difference between their fields. A physicist may not appreciate the gravity of biological incentives in decision-making.
“Imagine how much harder physics would be if electrons had feelings!” - Richard Feynman
I particularly appreciated the harsh (often times Machiavellian) reality that the Biological mental models posed. These to me are the most useful.
More could have been done to highlight the practical relevance of mental models from Physics and Chemistry - there is more scope to create links here.
Note: I have made a mindmap which shows all of the mental models across this 3-book series. Please see it here.