Ask HN: Are there books for mathematics like Feynman's lectures on physics?

Article summary

The article asks for book recommendations on mathematics that are similar to Feynman's lectures on physics, which are fundamental and easy to read. The author is re-learning college-level physics and enjoys Feynman's lectures. They are looking for books that can provide a similar experience for mathematics and chemistry. The goal is to find books that are engaging, intuitive, and easy to understand.

Main themes

• mathematics books
• Feynman's lectures
• intuitive learning
• fundamental concepts
• book recommendations

What commenters say

• Some commenters recommend books like Calculus by Michael Spivak and Prelude to Mathematics by W.W. Sawyer as similar to Feynman's lectures in style and approach. Feynman's lectures are great for intuition, but may not provide enough problem-solving skills and math rigor. Using books like Feynman's as adjunct material, supplemented with problem sets and exercises, can be an effective way to learn physics and mathematics. The style of Feynman's lectures, while engaging and easy to follow, can sometimes make the material seem simpler than it actually is, leading to a false sense of understanding. Some commenters appreciate the recommendations of videos and online resources, such as 3Blue1Brown, for their clarity and insight into mathematical concepts. Others suggest that books like Concrete Mathematics and What Is Mathematics? provide a similar tone and approach to Feynman's lectures. While some commenters find that Feynman's lectures are deceivingly simple, others appreciate their ability to convey complex ideas in an intuitive way.