The Socratic method of teaching – by question and answer – can be boring or appealing. It is used throughout What If You Could Unscramble An Egg? by Robert Ehrlich (Rutgers University Press, $25 ISBN 0 8135 2254 4) and proves effective and amusing. The conversations are between an intelligent questioner and a know-it-all, and cover an incredible range of “what ifs”, laced with wisecracks and cartoons. What if you bought this book and read it in snatches? You would learn a lot about who you are and the world you live in without feeling a single stab of pain and it might even make breakfast more interesting.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Physics
Record-breaking, fast-spinning magnet could help uncover new physics
News
Environment
An unexpected feedback loop may be driving mega heatwaves
News
91ɫƬ
Less than 4 minutes of vigorous exercise a day could halve your dementia risk
News
91ɫƬ
Parkinson’s may be driven by ‘vicious cycle’ that disrupts brain waste drainage
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles