Why I Want to Learn String Theory

I recently put out a post asking for resources for learning string theory. Today I talk about a couple reasons why I'd like to learn it.

David Tongs Lecture Notes:

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[YourPhysicsSimulator]

"Why do I want to learn string theory"
- Andrew Dotson, expert in masochism and also a physicist

[matrixus]

Me to my professor after first lecture on newton's laws:

[PapaFlammy]

Wait, since when do you have a camera?

[sombal]

He got a thumbs up from David Tong, that's pretty much like Gods approval

[andrewtran]

alternative title: origin story of how Andrew Dotson discovered a Theory of Everything.

in all seriousness though, i respect you're doing this. String theory was one of the first things I heard about when I got interested in physics and astronomy, and I was so enthusiastic and fascinated about the topic. that was years ago, and now these days im constantly stressed with classes, research, etc. and miss feeling that joy. I think you just motivated me to start learning it again for fun, as a side hobby.

[maxwellsequation]

Best source of learning string theory is reading live chat on Brian Greene's live streams

[gamerdio]

Why I want to learn string theory: to flex to others that I know string theory

[Arthur-xepu]

Alternative title: conquering my biggest academic comedy. Jokes aside, your videos have been very inspiring and please keep producing these quality contents.

[redswanmusic]

Just found out that I've got into university to study physics and philosophy in October at the University of Oxford. Thanks for all your videos for encouraging me to apply!!

[OmgEinfachNurOmg]

Why do I want to learn String Theory: Because I am an experimentalist with low job requirements

[rk]

"Why do I want to learn string theory"
Andrew - "Because I want to write popular science books"

[UltimateTNTGod]

This is great man. I still remember being a young teen attending an interview with a physicist (carlo rovelli), asking about the difference between string theory and loop quantum gravity (as if i knew anything about either one), and having the whole crowd laugh as my question was read out loud. I guess there’s no time limit to learn anything. I’m finally starting my journey as a phys major this fall and im looking forward to it all — def gonna have to binge your channel.

[miguelangellopezruiz]

Well, String Theory has its origins in nuclear physics, since it started as a possible description of the strong interaction (but QCD turned out better). In addition, in the area of heavy ion collisions, there is some interest in the use of holography, AdS-CFT correspondence and other stuff, to develop phenomenological models. Therefore, if you're a nuclear/particle physicist, ST is not as disconnected as you might think. So do it!

[Rubbergnome]

As a researcher in string theory and a huge fan of your channel I would be stoked to have a chat about it if you want :D but it's awesome that David gave you the thumbs up! I admire him so much.

[Trazom]

Been watching for awhile now, seeing your progression from an undergrad student to now learning arguably the most complex thing known to man really inspires me to pursue physics myself at uni. Keep up the amazing content🤜

[justarandomguywithsuperpow]

"Why I want to learn string theory"-
To unify physics obviously, duh!!

[pranavratra]

Love it!! I first heard of string theory through Brian Greene's series, The Elegant Universe, about 15 years ago (which means I must have been about 7 😅). Fast forward to now, I'm nearly done my undergrad in physics and astronomy, with a little GR and a little particle physics under my belt. Looking forward to your videos on string theory!!

[afborro]

There is a saying. "String theory is the beginning of the end, it means giving up.".

I am only kidding of course, respect to those who attempt it, and in your case, luckily there is plenty beard there to pull on when needed. :)

[sambitsarkar]

I am currently taking up a course on diff. geo. and topology, and have covered up bosonic strings. What I've followed so far:

QFT:
1. A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory by Michele Maggiore (MM) (primary)
2. Peskin's QFT (reference)
3. Schwartz's book on QFT and SM (reference)
3. Might follow Weinberg and Langacker once I'm done with MM's book which is probably going to be never because I'm procrastinating.

Strings:
1. A first course in string theory by Barton Zwiebach (primary)
2. Might read Polchinski and SGW next semester if I can get the pre-reqs settled.

GR:
1. Initially B. Schutz first course on GR.
2. Then lectures on GTR by Emil Akhmedov.
3. Have referred to Weinberg before but will read it properly someday.
4. The famous 'Large-scale structure of spacetime' is in list lol (big talks from a small nut like me).

Differential Geometry and Topology:
1. Lectures on advanced mathematical methods for Physicists by Mukhi and Mukunda (primary).
2. Nakahara (reference).
3. Some other books are in list might read if I survive masters.

Additionally you might need some stuff on conformal field theory, for which there's Rastelli in Stonybrook who's lecture notes can be used. You can refer initially to Polchinski who discusses CFT to some extent. Some idea of complex manifolds might be required? B. Greene's 1997 lecture on YC manifolds can be referred to. But then if you just google up complex manifolds a lot of modern lecture notes can be easily found out.

In case you're looking for application of strings to nuclear physics, look up AdS/QCD correspondence. Coincidentally my masters thesis is on this topic :)

Also I'm really excited with the possibility of getting a strings lecture from you!

[mahmoudyehia]

So good to hear that, excited to see your videos about it