Condensed concepts

 I have never written a book before. Hence, I have never written a preface. For what it is worth, according an article on Masterclass.com, Writing 101: How to Write a Preface for a Book ,  In one or two pages, an author’s preface is meant to: Explain why the author chose to write about this topic Reveal their motivation and inspiration for writing the book Describe the process of researching the topic of the book Outline the process of writing the book, including any challenges and how long it took. Based on this I wrote the following draft of a Preface to Condensed Matter Physics: A Very Short Introduction.  Preface I love learning new things. I find joy in understanding, particularly if it is profound and important.  I love trying to communicate that understanding, particularly in ways that may appeal and inspire. I find beauty in ideas, images, and stories. I am a “big picture” person. I love seeing connections, whether deep or anecdotal, between different pieces of knowledge. Hence

 How can we design a room-temperature superconductor? How can a government stimulate economic growth? How can an NGO help reduce domestic violence? Why do communities become segregated on racial lines? How can I improve my mental health? These important questions may seem unrelated. However, I propose that often there is a common issue about the strategies that people (whether individuals, professions, NGOs, funding agencies, governments, ...) propose to find answers or when definite answers are proposed. Many strategies and answers involve a heavy dose of implicit beliefs. These are assumptions that are never stated. They may be elements of a worldview , which according to one definition, is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true, partially true, or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic construction of rea

For the marketing plan for my Very Short Introduction , I was recently asked whether there were any significant anniversaries happening in condensed matter physics (and associated conferences). This is not something I normally think about. I realised that fifty years ago there were three big discoveries. All eventually led to Nobel Prizes. Each discovery had a profound effect on the formation of condensed matter as a distinct discipline built around a few unifying concepts. At the time the discoveries and ideas appeared quite independent, but there are deep connections between them. Renormalisation group and critical phenomena In 1971 Ken Wilson published two papers   [ PRB 4, 3174 , and  PRB 4, 3184 ]  laying the foundations, followed by two PRLs in 1972, including one with the provocative title,  Critical Exponents in 3.99 Dimensions .  Wilson  received the Nobel Prize in 1982.  This work had many implications and applications.  Explained universality in critical phenomena. Highlight

I am not the greatest manager of my time. I am easily distracted and too often ruled by the tyranny of the urgent. I let the good become the enemy of the excellent. I look at my email too often... Here are just a few points that I do find helpful to keep in mind and act on. They not only lead to better use of time but also reduce stress. I struggle with all of them. 1. It can wait. We live in an urgent world with many people and tasks demanding immediate attention. There are some very rigid deadlines, such as for most grant applications. However, there are many other tasks such as submitting a paper, checking an experiment, replying to an email, ... that can wait for another today. It is time to log off, literally and mentally and relax. The world will not fall apart if you wait another day, week, or even month. 2. Delegate Do I personally need to do this task or take on this responsibility? Is there someone else who is able and available to do it instead? Might they actually do it bet

Will there be big new discoveries? Will old problems be solved?   I have finished my draft of, "An endless frontier"  the last chapter of Condensed Matter Physics: A Very Short Introduction. I aim to give a balanced perspective that is optimistic but realistic. Have I? Obviously, this is highly subjective. I am interested in general feedback, particularly on whether your aunt or uncle or an eager undergraduate would find this interesting and engaging. Besides your own research area :), are there particular topics that you think are ripe for exploration? Perhaps, a cartoon about predicting the future. Maybe one of these two?