How To by Randall Munroe cover

How To

Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems

by Randall Munroe

4.8(7,000 ratings)
9 min read

Brief overview

This book explores bizarre yet scientifically grounded methods for completing ordinary tasks. From creating a lava moat to powering a house on Mars, it shows how extreme curiosity and playful experiments can spark surprising insights. By breaking down real-world physics and engineering ideas, it reveals that any problem, no matter how outlandish, can inspire creative thinking.

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Introduction: Unconventional Thinking

The journey begins by examining how odd ideas can spark practical breakthroughs. Rather than ignoring seemingly absurd solutions, this book shows the value in testing them logically. Many of these approaches sound impossible—like using nuclear backdrops to measure ages or hooking a tether to a moon—but they encourage stepping away from standard assumptions.

From freezing an entire river to filling a pool with 150,000 water bottles, these pages blend humor with careful, data-driven logic. Through cartoon-like examples, the text reveals how a combination of physics, engineering, and curiosity can turn even the strangest premise into a lesson on real-world principles.

Above all, the book underscores one truth: learning happens when you’re willing to explore the extremes. Preparing to read on means entering a mindset where no question is too silly, and where each trial leads to moments of insight.

Jumping and Gravity Tricks

Why settle for small hops when you can leap closer to the Moon? In examining the high jump and pole vault, the text reminds us that running speed is just as important as raw jumping strength. By redirecting velocity upward, a vault can push an athlete several times higher than an unassisted jump.

We’re also shown how changing gravity, either via Earth’s atmosphere or theoretical space travel, could boost a person’s vertical leap. There are science-fiction scenarios, like harnessing rising air columns or even wearing giant sailplanes, that take jumping far beyond the realm of track and field.

Sometimes, delving into extreme ideas reveals surprising truths about simple physics.

Whether you’re exploring a new sports method or fueling an outlandish dream to reach stratospheric altitudes, the core lesson remains: the constraints of force, energy, and motion apply everywhere—even when you try to defy gravity.

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What is How To about?

How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems offers a playful, thoroughly researched look at everyday dilemmas through the lens of theoretical science. Randall Munroe uses imaginative experiments and witty logic to suggest methods that sound impossible at first but are rooted in real physics and engineering principles.

From calculating the feasibility of building a lava moat to figuring out a strategy for landing a malfunctioning airplane on a moving train, the book pushes each concept to extremes. In doing so, it highlights the surprising insights that emerge when we challenge assumptions about how the world works. It’s funny, accessible, and fosters a deeper appreciation for creative problem-solving.

Review of How To

One remarkable strength of How To is how it balances rigorous scientific detail with a casual, humorous style. Randall Munroe blends math, physics, and historical tidbits into scenarios that appear impractical yet spark curiosity about real-world applications. Readers will find themselves reflecting on energy usage, mechanical constraints, and inventive ways to manage everyday tasks.

The writing remains clear, even when tackling advanced concepts, making it suitable for science enthusiasts and beginners alike. Whether you’re an engineer or a curious reader, you’ll discover fresh ideas and thought experiments that challenge standard approaches. In the end, Munroe’s lively storytelling and data-driven method lead to a strong recommendation for anyone seeking simple explanations behind complex possibilities.

Who should read How To?

  • Engineers who enjoy exploring unconventional approaches to common technical problems
  • Science enthusiasts looking for factual yet humorous insights on physics and math
  • Professionals in creative fields who benefit from cross-disciplinary inspiration
  • Lifelong learners eager for entertaining yet informative reading experiences

About the author

Randall Munroe is a cartoonist, author, and engineer best known for creating the webcomic xkcd. He holds a degree in physics from Christopher Newport University, where he graduated in 2006, and also minored in mathematics and computer science. Before focusing on webcomics full-time, he worked as a contract programmer and roboticist for NASA at the Langley Research Center. He has written several books, including "What If?" and "Thing Explainer," in addition to "How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems."

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