Richard Jacobs

This book is the result of 30+ interviews of genius-level science professionals in various fields. They have all been asked the same set of questions, and have answered, to the best of their ability and knowledge. What you’re about to read is the answers to these questions, not from all the individuals, but from the most interesting 4 or 5 who answered each question. These interviews are for two kinds of audiences: 1) curious amateurs, and 2) science, engineering, or other professionals who have a general knowledge of and curiosity about science, but who are not experts in the field being covered. 

At the start of my journey in science, I already had a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, but that was from 1998, certainly not 2016 when I started. Reading scientific papers was difficult at first – I understood about 10% of what I was reading. As I interviewed more scientists, researchers, clinicians and others, I started to pick up the vocabulary and thinking process needed to read scientific papers. After a year of reading, my comprehension increased, and now stands at around 70%, typically. In the areas of Physics or other sciences in which I’m not conversant, I understand about 30%. In advanced math, since it’s a language unto itself, especially at high levels, I am back to the 10% level. 

Apply yourself, and you’ll be surprised at what you can learn in a year’s time.