# Teach Yourself Physics ## Metadata * Author: [Jakob Schwichtenberg](https://www.amazon.com/Jakob-Schwichtenberg/e/B07SJT2W19/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1) * ASIN: B084RSFZLX * Reference: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084RSFZLX * [Kindle link](kindle://book?action=open&asin=B084RSFZLX) ## Highlights The fundamental reason for this phenomenon, known as emergence, is that details become less relevant when we zoom out. Furthermore, completely new patterns can emerge, depending on how far we zoom in. — location: [32332](kindle://book?action=open&asin=B084RSFZLX&location=32332) ^ref-8941 --- In technical terms, we say that our theories are "effective theories" that are perfectly valid descriptions at a given scale. At some point, if we zoom in or out, our effective description becomes invalid or useless and must be replaced — location: [32770](kindle://book?action=open&asin=B084RSFZLX&location=32770) ^ref-61560 --- Just for the record: the mathematical tool that allows us to relate effective descriptions that are valid on different scales is known as the renormalization group. — location: [33205](kindle://book?action=open&asin=B084RSFZLX&location=33205) ^ref-63615 --- For example, typically quantum mechanics is formulated in Hilbert space. But it is equally possible to formulate it in phase space, configuration space or even physical space. In general, we call the description of a given theory in a particular mathematical arena a formulation of the theory. — location: [33207](kindle://book?action=open&asin=B084RSFZLX&location=33207) ^ref-47961 --- "Many of the scientific treatises of today are formulated in a half-mystical language, as though to impress the reader with the uncomfortable feeling that he is in the permanent presence of a superman." — location: [87819](kindle://book?action=open&asin=B084RSFZLX&location=87819) ^ref-33834 ---