Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
This is probably the 3rd book on quantum loop theory and it is the closest I've been to understand (some) of its ideas. Rovelli gives a clear description of our understanding of reality, from Democritus and Anaximander to 21st century's LQG. Why new theories were developed, how it happened, etc.
I'm not saying I understood everything (or have assimilated everything), but as far as I can tell, this is the easiest explanation of LQG available so far.
I'm not saying I understood everything (or have assimilated everything), but as far as I can tell, this is the easiest explanation of LQG available so far.
I don't understand how writing a book about physics from Democritus till nowadays Rovelli forgot to mention Fermi, but anyway the book is clearly written and interesting.
Non mi spiego come Rovelli, in un libro che spiega le scoperte della fisica partendo da Democrito e arrivando ai giorni nostri, riesca a non nominare mai Enrico Fermi. Detto questo il libro é chiaro ed interessante.
THANKS TO EDELWEISS FOR THE PREVIEW!
Non mi spiego come Rovelli, in un libro che spiega le scoperte della fisica partendo da Democrito e arrivando ai giorni nostri, riesca a non nominare mai Enrico Fermi. Detto questo il libro é chiaro ed interessante.
THANKS TO EDELWEISS FOR THE PREVIEW!
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
This was so mind-bending that after listening to it on audio, I had to download the kindle version and read it so I could highlight. Even then I had more highlights than I could export, and I think I'll have to review what I do have to get a better grasp. I've read a lot of books on physics and quantum physics for laymen, and this is the first one in a very long time that I felt both gave me a better understanding particularly of the historical progression of discoveries, and also suggested something new. I was not aware that there was a rival theory to String Theory: Loop Quantum Gravity, which actually (according to this author anyway) seems to be a better contender for unity between quantum and Newtonian physics. What blew my mind most was the idea that time, like all macroscopic objects in the physical world, is an emergent property. On the quantum level it doesn't exist, any more than a single object, as such, exists. It's all averages of where individual particles are likely to be in space at any given time.
I'll admit that after the first few chapters, much of the science that Carlo Rovelli describes here was a bit beyond my ability to conceptualize or comprehend. Somehow though, he manages to keep the reader thoroughly engaged and doesn't dwell too long in scientific deep water before coming up for air with fantastical, beautifully poetic musings on the implications of the physics he describes. As somebody who has always struggled with any concepts that even start to approach relativity, let alone the principles of quantam mechanics, in Reality is Not What it Seems, Rovelli did a fantastic job of guiding me through not just the conceptual baby-steps up to the edges of what we know today about our universe, but he incorportated the entire history of breakthroughs in the science of physics. Regardless of whether you get anything out of the science here, Rovelli's prose is profound, moving, and beautiful. I look forward to my next go around with this one.
Enjoyment of reading: 5/5; curiosity provoked: 5/5. I just hope that the explanation of loop may be a bit deeper -- I don't mind having a bit more math if it helps to clarify things. But I guess for a compact book the author has to cut the level of details somewhere.
All in all it's a great little book introducing physics, especially the counter-intuitive and great development of general relativity and quantum physics over the past 100+ years.
All in all it's a great little book introducing physics, especially the counter-intuitive and great development of general relativity and quantum physics over the past 100+ years.
Absolutely beautiful and mind-bending. I have so much respect for people who can express such complex ideas and phenomena in a way that is so poetic and emotional. Will imbue you with a sense of wonder and joy at how little we actually know about the universe.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
It makes sense. The universe is defined by three limits; maximum velocity the speed of light, minimum length the Planck length and minimum of information the Planck constant. Seems plausible and feels right. Doesn’t make it correct though, we’ll just have to wait and see what develops.