The Seven Secrets of How to Think Like a Rocket Scientist

By James Longuski and Jim Longuski

Book Overview

This book explains the methods that rocket scientists use -- expressed in a way that could be applied in everyday life. It's short and snappy and written by a rocket scientist. The book illustrates the methods (the 7 secrets) with anecdotes, quotations and biographical sketches of famous scientists, ideas from sci-fi, personal stories and insights, and occasionally a bit of space history. The author reveals that rocket science is just common sense applied to the extraordinarily uncommon environment of outer space and that rocket scientists are people, too. This book is intended for general "armchair" scientists, and for those interested in popular psychology, space history, and science fiction films.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0387308768
• ISBN13: 9780387308760
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Copernicus Books
• Length: 174 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Secrets of a Rocket Scientist

This is fun reading, and since I am a rocket scientist, I found the advice to be "right-on."

The secret is out

I like this book--a lot. As a rocket scientist myself, I have often experienced a great deal of admiration from other people. It is very flattering, but I do get somewhat embaressed by it. Unfortunately so far, I just have not been able to put into words why I am a little uncomfortable having to carry the burden of being a rocket scientist. Until now. If you look at the core of rocket science, it is really all common sense. Admittedly, a four year degree during which you study all the math and science behind it all will help you get a job, but really those are just more formal tools you need to support your conclusions. The thinking process behind it, is not all that spectacular. In fact, everyone can solve problems like a rocket scientist. And after reading this book and thinking about it, you may realize that you are already using many of the suggestions presented by James Longuski. But please, continue flattering me. Even though the secret is out now, it still feels good!

Common Sense

The great thing about this book is how easy it is to get caught up in the story-telling and anecdotes. The author does a wonderful job of using famous quotes, parables, and even scenes from movies to prove his points. The book challenges you to use your imagination to its fullest, and above all else, use common sense when solving complicated problems. Also, the illustrations are cool. They remind me of the Spaceman Spiff cartoons from the "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strip.

R and R for All

Humorous, heartwarming and humble, this book is like a delightful chat with a good friend from beginning to end. Anyone who feels harried and stressed, or overwhelmed by workplace vexation will find this book a perfect way to relax and regain perspective in addition to learning something new and interesting. The simple and sparkling writing style is a perfect compliment to the book's advice on being imaginative, playful, and active. The adorably whimsical illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to and reinforcement of this style. Revist your childhood passion for astronauts and learn about how to succeed in your adult endeavors--read this book today...and don't forget to buy one for a friend.

Delightful and informative

Longuski's latest book is easy to read and at the same time informative. The book is divided into 7 parts, each one deals with a particular "secret" to thinking like a Rocket Scientist. Why would you want to care about how Rocket Scientist think? The question really should be "why not?" If they can put people on the moon and bring them back safely, what can they NOT do? Knowing how to systematically bring seemingly impossible (and some might say crazy) ideas into reality is a tool no one should live without, regardless of your profession. The book is full of humor, anecdotes, and memorable quotations from just about every source imaginable (books, TV shows, movies, etc). Want to know the secret to winning "20 Questions?" The book will teach you. Want to know how "20 Questions" relates to Rocket Science? Read it and find out. How about how to modify the game "Risk" to include nukes? A wonderful feature of the book is that even though it is meant to be read as a whole, you can start reading just about anywhere in the book. Each chapter is very short, only about 2-3 pages. Yet each chapter contains something interesting and informative. It's treat to see how Longuski ties together all these loose ideas together into a unified theme--how to think like a Rocket Scientist.