Norman Macrae (1923–2010)
Autor(a) de John Von Neumann: The Scientific Genius Who Pioneered the Modern Computer, Game Theory, Nuclear Deterrence, and Much More
Obras por Norman Macrae
Etiquetado
Conhecimento Comum
- Data de nascimento
- 1923
- Data de falecimento
- 2010-06-11
- Sexo
- male
- Nacionalidade
- UK
- Prémios e menções honrosas
- Order of the Rising Sun, with Gold Rays, 1988
Commander, Order of the British Empire, 1988
Membros
Críticas
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Associated Authors
Estatísticas
- Obras
- 12
- Membros
- 224
- Popularidade
- #100,172
- Avaliação
- 3.6
- Críticas
- 4
- ISBN
- 16
- Línguas
- 4
Unfortunately, the rest of the book isn't able to keep up. Unlike Feynman, von Neumann turns out to just not have been a very interesting character. Sure, he was brilliant, but the author is quick to remind us that he (the author) isn't nearly smart enough to help you understand von Neumann. Despite this, he is clearly and unequivocally in love with von Neumann.
Often the book will meander into "von Neumann thought this. Other people said he was wrong. But they didn't actually understand what he was talking about." Like, at least five times. But the author reminds us that *he* also doesn't understand what von Neumann was talking about. So, how can he be so sure that von Neumann *wasn't wrong?* I'd be willing to let this slide once or twice with the proper citation, but none are given and the author continually apologizes for von Neumann. Genius he might have been, but never being wrong isn't a part of genius.
Along similar lines, a big chunk of this book is the history *around* von Neumann---things like the Manhattan Project and the origin of electronic computers. For the most part, von Neumann doesn't play much of a part in these histories, and in each section the author tells us "this story is better told in book X." I found myself wondering why not just read those books instead?
In all, von Neumann comes off as a Mary Sue. He can do no wrong in the author's eyes, and whenever he comes close, the author is sure to quote someone who says how lovely and brilliant Johnny was. It's boring as a historical read, and boring as a character study.
Read the first two chapters and then skip the rest.… (mais)