A popular sciencebook first published in 1988, “Superstrings and the Search for the Theory of Everything” by F. David Peat, has marvellously stood the test of time. A smooth, insightful, no-fluff work on Superstring and Twistor theories. It is a must-read for any popular physics enthusiast.
2. Synopsis
The book is roughly divided into two large parts and a concluding chapter. The first part, about six chapters large, uniquely describes String Theory (and Superstrings). The second part comprises three chapters on Twistor Theory, a topic that perhaps no other author, aside from Sir Roger Penrose, has discussed in a popular science book.
The chapters are divided into small essays focusing on specific ideas within a broader topic, which are elementary enough to be understood by themselves. For example, there are sections on symmetry, what it is, why it is important in elementary particle physics, and how symmetry-breaking might explain the diversity of masses we observe in the physical universe.
The chapters on Superstring Theory cover the following topics:
The problem with point particles and how these problems can be solved by extending point particles into one-dimensional strings
3. What Makes “Superstrings and the Search for the Theory of Everything” Unique
Three points may be made on what makes “Superstrings and the Search for the Theory of Everything” unique as a book on Supertring and Twistor theory:
Accessibility. In “Superstrings and the Search for the Theory of Everything”, Dr Peat has done a remarkable job by rendering the fundamental concepts of Superstring Theory highly accessible without oversimplifying the topic to the point where it loses substance. Although the reader is expected to have a decent understanding of basic modern physics (quantum mechanics, standard mode of particle theory, general relativity), the book remains fairly accessible.
Coverage of Twistor Theory. Twistor theory, created by Nobel laureate Sir Roger Penrose, is a very complex, abstract, and slightly obscure theory that attempts to understand spacetime in a way where quantum mechanics and general relativity can peacefully exist. Twistor theory provides breathtaking insights into thorny issues of quantum mechanics, such as the measurement and nonlocality problems. Aside from Penrose’s book “The Road to Reality”, no other book covers twistors, making Peat’s work truly unique.
Conciseness. “Superstrings and the Search for the Theory of Everything” is a book on physics. It has no fluff or historical or personal anecdotes. More importantly, it doesn’t assume that the reader knows nothing about physics and, therefore, does not try to explain every physics idea of the past two centuries in this small volume. To reach the widest audiences, other authors sacrifice conciseness for completeness, making their books rare in insights.
Main Themes
String Theory
Superstring Theory
Supersymmetry
Symmetry-breaking
Elementary Particle Theory
General Relativity
Quantum Mechanics
Twistor Theory
Gravity and Mass
Particles and Forces
Quantum Field Theory
Guage Fields
Grand Unifying Theories
Spacetime
5. Bio
F. David Peat (1938 – 2017) was a Canadian physicist, author, and researcher who significantly contributed to various fields, including physics, philosophy, and exploring the links between science and spirituality. He is best known for his work in the areas of quantum physics, complexity theory, and the crossroads between science and culture.
Peat’s contributions to science include:
Work in Theoretical Physics: Peat started his career as a physicist and conducted research in the field of theoretical physics, particularly in areas related to quantum mechanics and the foundations of modern physics.
Collaboration with David Bohm: Peat is perhaps most famous for his collaboration with physicist David Bohm, with whom he wrote the book “Science, Order, and Creativity.” This book explored the interconnections between science, art, and human consciousness, offering insights into the creative processes underlying scientific inquiry and artistic expression.
Complexity and Chaos Theory: Peat advocated complexity and chaos theory, which study the behaviour of complex systems and how order can emerge from seemingly chaotic processes. He contributed to popularising these concepts and their implications for understanding the dynamics of natural and social systems.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Peat was known for his interdisciplinary approach to science and his ability to bridge the gap between scientific concepts and their cultural, philosophical, and spiritual implications. He often engaged with ideas from various disciplines to create a holistic understanding of the world.
Authorship and Education: Peat authored numerous books that aimed to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience. Some of his notable works include “Infinite Potential: The Life and Times of David Bohm” and “Synchronicity: The Bridge Between Matter and Mind.” Through his writing and speaking engagements, he contributed to public education and dialogue about the nature of reality, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of various aspects of human experience.
Science and Spirituality: Peat was also interested in the intersection of science and spirituality. He explored how scientific insights could inform our understanding of consciousness, mysticism, and the human experience while respecting scientific inquiry’s limits in addressing spiritual matters.
F. David Peat’s contributions extended beyond traditional scientific research, as he sought to bridge gaps between disciplines and encourage a more holistic understanding of the world. His work has had a lasting impact on the way people think about the relationships between science, art, consciousness, and culture.
