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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Fabulous account of the past/present/future (or are they one and the same?) of physics theories and luminaries. Deftly written to balance numbers with words, generality with specificity, & science with wonder.
This is a brilliant overview of the current (as of the book's publication 10 years ago) scientific thoughts on the nature of our reality (in terms of its physical properties) and their origins and evolution through the ages. It's easy to follow even without advanced education in physics or mathematics.
Well that was an unexpected delight. Now I know what the universe is made of, and how to reconcile quantum gravity with the standard model. I truly expected to be left dangling at the end of this book, which takes the reader on a beautifully written, often funny, often moving journey from the ancient greeks to modern day, building up a picture of what we understand are the building blocks of the universe. There's a little bit of maths, but nothing that ought to daunt anyone who did maths in high-school and still remembers it, but mostly it's just a wonderfully written, and incredibly informative narrative.
The original text was written in Italian and has been translated, and I could not help reading most of it with an Italian accent. In parts I caught myself waving my hands around as I read it.
Makes me want to go and read more by Lee Smolin now.
The original text was written in Italian and has been translated, and I could not help reading most of it with an Italian accent. In parts I caught myself waving my hands around as I read it.
Makes me want to go and read more by Lee Smolin now.
Count me in the camp that is more interested in stamp collecting—but I’m so very glad I read this book. Many reviewers comment that this book is about quantum gravity, and how it’s an idea that can tie together the two major physics discoveries of the 20th century (quantum mechanics, general relativity). That’s true…but the book is an exploration about the science of discovery. From Democritus to Galileo to Einstein to Bohr, all of these thinkers are enraptured with first finding a coherent vision of the world, and then reasoning out with mathematics and experimentation.
One of the big takeaways (chapter 5) is that the synthesis of ideas, can produce a more elegant understanding of the world. Newton combined Gaileo’s ideas and Kepler’s ideas and discovered universal gravity. Maxwell and Farraday found the equations of electromagnetism (combining magnetism and electricity). Einstein combined Newtonian physics and Maxwell’s electro-magnetism. And now the opportunity is present to find the equations and concepts of quantum space and quantum time.
My interest in the book in the unveiling of these discoveries then understanding the deeper consequences of accepting the theories. The fact that Einstein could revolutionize our concept of the world by submitting papers he wrote in his rocking chair or when working as a patent clerk – that’s crazy! I’m a little less certain that I fully understand the concepts or consequences of living with space-time. But as someone who has a very bare minimum of physics, I found the book extremely approachable.
Finally the book ends with a magnificent chapter on the defense of science in our age. It’s poetic, commanding, and persuasive, and suggests there is more adventure in science fact than science fiction. For those whose dreams escape our planet’s atmosphere, I boldy suggest you check out this book.
One of the big takeaways (chapter 5) is that the synthesis of ideas, can produce a more elegant understanding of the world. Newton combined Gaileo’s ideas and Kepler’s ideas and discovered universal gravity. Maxwell and Farraday found the equations of electromagnetism (combining magnetism and electricity). Einstein combined Newtonian physics and Maxwell’s electro-magnetism. And now the opportunity is present to find the equations and concepts of quantum space and quantum time.
My interest in the book in the unveiling of these discoveries then understanding the deeper consequences of accepting the theories. The fact that Einstein could revolutionize our concept of the world by submitting papers he wrote in his rocking chair or when working as a patent clerk – that’s crazy! I’m a little less certain that I fully understand the concepts or consequences of living with space-time. But as someone who has a very bare minimum of physics, I found the book extremely approachable.
Finally the book ends with a magnificent chapter on the defense of science in our age. It’s poetic, commanding, and persuasive, and suggests there is more adventure in science fact than science fiction. For those whose dreams escape our planet’s atmosphere, I boldy suggest you check out this book.
I adored the writing in this. Ooof. It’s gorgeous. Greatly written and really beautiful; It’s almost lyrical and totally immersive.
It’s also one of those books that is perfect for beginners and people just wanting to know more about science and physics, but also strikes the fine balance between foundations and more in depth writings which are accessible to all. It’s great for scientists and physics researchers too.
It’s a book for everyone, no matter your background. I think all will take something away from this book. Whether it’s an appreciation for our beautiful universe, a new insight, a deeper understanding or learning something completely new, there’s something in it for everyone. And plenty to learn! A great non fiction book.
It’s also one of those books that is perfect for beginners and people just wanting to know more about science and physics, but also strikes the fine balance between foundations and more in depth writings which are accessible to all. It’s great for scientists and physics researchers too.
It’s a book for everyone, no matter your background. I think all will take something away from this book. Whether it’s an appreciation for our beautiful universe, a new insight, a deeper understanding or learning something completely new, there’s something in it for everyone. And plenty to learn! A great non fiction book.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I just learned so much about physics and I didn't ever think I was capable of that. Would recommend this read to anyone interested in how our world works.
informative
Recently read two books that explain the newest frontiers of physics in quick succession. One is Reality is Not What it Seems by Carlo Rovelli and the other is The God Equation by Michio Kaku.
I like Reality is Not What it Seems, but I am unsure why. Maybe it is because Quantum Gravity talked about in this book makes more sense to me than String Theory talked about in The God Equation. Maybe it is because Carlo Rovelli explains it more passionately than Michio Kaku. Maybe it is because I was not intelligent enough to grasp what Michio Kaku was explaining.
Either way, I recommend both books to readers diving into the quantum, and I recommend this book over the other!
I like Reality is Not What it Seems, but I am unsure why. Maybe it is because Quantum Gravity talked about in this book makes more sense to me than String Theory talked about in The God Equation. Maybe it is because Carlo Rovelli explains it more passionately than Michio Kaku. Maybe it is because I was not intelligent enough to grasp what Michio Kaku was explaining.
Either way, I recommend both books to readers diving into the quantum, and I recommend this book over the other!