The Pleasure of Finding Things Out

“The Pleasure of Finding Things Out” is a 50-minute interview of Richard Feynman (from the 1981 BBC Horizon TV series).

I rank it #2 on my list of The 10 Best Richard Feynman Documentaries.

Watch “The Pleasure of Finding Things Out”

I like to put up multiple links in case one gets take down. Here are 3 ways to watch “The Pleasure of Finding Things Out”

Option 1: Watch NOVA’s version:

Source: https://archive.org/details/ThePleasureOfFindingThingsOut_201809

Option 2: Watch BBC Four’s version:

Source: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x87vboe

Option 3: Watch BBC Horizon’s version:

You can also watch “The Pleasure of Finding Things Out” on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/340695809 (they don’t provide a video thumbnail so just click this URL (this might be the best quality version).

Ratings:

  • My Rating: 97/100
  • IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: na

Release Date: November 23, 1981

Review of “The Pleasure of Finding Things Out”

“The Pleasure of Finding Things Out” is a 50-minute interview of Richard Feynman (from the 1981 BBC Horizon TV series).

Feynman, with his characteristic charm and wit, takes us on a journey through his life and mind.

From his early days of curiosity, spurred by his father’s unconventional teaching methods, to his groundbreaking work in quantum electrodynamics, Feynman makes complex scientific ideas feel like a casual chat over coffee.

His ability to simplify the abstract and make it tangible is nothing short of magical.

Highlights of the Documentary

Childhood and Early Influences

Feynman starts by reminiscing about his childhood, where his father played a pivotal role in nurturing his curiosity.

He shares delightful stories about how they would explore the world together, questioning everything from the composition of a flower to the principles of inertia.

These anecdotes are not just charming; they provide a window into the making of a scientific genius.

The Manhattan Project

The documentary delves into Feynman’s involvement in the Manhattan Project during World War II.

He recounts the excitement and moral dilemmas of working on the atomic bomb.

Nobel Prize and Scientific Method

Feynman discusses his journey to winning the Nobel Prize in Physics, but he doesn’t dwell on the accolade itself. In fact, he seems to hate it.

“I don’t see that it makes any point that someone in the Swedish Academy decides that this work is noble enough to receive a prize — I’ve already got the prize. The prize is the pleasure of finding the thing out, the kick in the discovery, the observation that other people use it — those are the real things.”

Richard Feynman about his Nobel Prize

Instead, he uses it as a platform to talk about the scientific method, emphasizing the importance of doubt and the joy of discovery.

Teaching Philosophy

One of the most endearing parts of the documentary is Feynman’s take on education. He criticizes rote memorization.

He advocates for a more hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning.

His teaching philosophy, illustrated through his own experiences, is a call to educators everywhere to inspire curiosity (rather than just impart knowledge).

Feynman’s Unique Perspective

Throughout the documentary, Feynman’s passion for science and discovery shines through. He talks about the beauty of nature, the joy of solving puzzles, and the thrill of finding things out.

He says he enjoys questioning his own beliefs:

His famous line, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool,” encapsulates his approach to science.

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc