So you want to learn physics (second edition, 2021)(susanrigetti.com)
270 points by azhenley 5 days ago | 48 comments
tl;dr: Susan Rigetti's updated self-study guide lays out a complete physics curriculum—from undergraduate to graduate level—built around specific textbooks (Young/Freedman, Griffiths, Taylor, Jackson, Sakurai, Zee, etc.) covering mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, general relativity, and quantum field theory, plus the required math. The second edition updates textbook editions, adds undergraduate and graduate electives, and reflects feedback from the ~600,000 readers of the 2015 original. Rigetti emphasizes that formal lab work isn't necessary and that solving problems—not just reading—is essential to actually learning physics.
HN Discussion:
  • Self-studying a full university physics curriculum is impractical; better to learn topics as needed
  • ~Pacing and self-discipline are the biggest challenges with this kind of self-study plan
  • ~Alternative textbooks or resources (Halliday, Motion Mountain, Soviet-era books) would work better or supplement the guide
  • The cost of all recommended textbooks is prohibitive
  • The guide's author is more interesting than the guide itself