nebulajr
8 HN recommenders · recommended in 13 months, 2010–2023
4:43 · 758K views · Apr 15, 2009
A short clip from a Richard Feynman interview in which he explains fire, describing how burning wood releases sunlight stored by the tree, which built itself mostly from air. It showcases his curiosity and plain-spoken explanations.
HN repeatedly cites it as an elegant, eye-opening explanation of fire and photosynthesis and as an example of Feynman's infectious love of knowledge.
14 comments from Hacker News
If anyone wants to know the answer to that question, Richard Feynman explains it wonderfully: (He starts talking about trees at 2:00, but his explanation of fire is equally elegant!) this video My first instinct was to say that a tree's mass comes from dead stars. Imagining how it got from those stars to the air that eventually becomes the tree would keep you busy for a while :D
I don't want to offend anyone but that article was extremely boring (I did end up reading it). I suppose I'd seen the Richard Feynman video on fire and trees quite recently beforehand and was in an intolerant mood. But it's impossible to stay in any kind of negative mood if you watch Feynman, his love of knowledge is just infectious. this video
this video Feynman explains fire. I’m a big fan and believe his crude straight to the point style, coupled with an incredible ability to storytell is what made him special. I think it’s pure, genuine, curiosity and the intellectual capacity to understand the complexities.
Checkout this explanation of fire by Richard Feynman - its a really eye opening perspective this video He explains the light of a fire is just the light of the Sun, it's just been stored in the wood
I'd really like to hear Richard Feynman's answer. I'm sure if an 11 year old had asked the question, instead of a journalist, it would be the perfect answer. (I'm referring to an interview series with him: this video ) Makes me sad to think I will never meet this man, nor ever be as awesome.