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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
Enjoyable brief summary of theoretical physics from ancient times to quantum gravity.
Greatly written explanation of the loop quantum gravity and the journey of unification of physical forces (which in the book starts in the ancient time of Democritus), of which the most focus is understandably given to the unification of general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Although a lot has been written about both of these forces, their history and the people who coined them, the book uncovers interesting new stories and facts (for example the story behind the discovery of Heisenberg's principle of uncertainty). Lastly, the book is written for any reader no matter how (in)experienced he is in the field of physics.
I finished it, for which I deserve five stars. The author used great illustrations, for which he deserves five stars.
However, I think the author should have described certain quantum ideas, like 'spin networks' and loops with more illustrations and longer chapters and more words rooted in common everyday language - but on the other hand, my brain grasps liberal arts with ease while I flounder and drown in math conceptualizations, not to mention in solving higher-math equations. Maybe the author DID describe accurately those things.
The author has extensive notes, an annotated bibliography and an index. As far as I can tell, this is a fantastic book. The author certainly tried very very hard to make quantum mechanics understandable.
However, I think the author should have described certain quantum ideas, like 'spin networks' and loops with more illustrations and longer chapters and more words rooted in common everyday language - but on the other hand, my brain grasps liberal arts with ease while I flounder and drown in math conceptualizations, not to mention in solving higher-math equations. Maybe the author DID describe accurately those things.
The author has extensive notes, an annotated bibliography and an index. As far as I can tell, this is a fantastic book. The author certainly tried very very hard to make quantum mechanics understandable.
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Well written and easy to follow it's a good guide to the quantum world.
Genius
Rovelli has a way of knocking your socks off and seeing the universe in a whole new light. I read quite a few popular science books but none make me feel as consistently amazed as this guy.
Rovelli has a way of knocking your socks off and seeing the universe in a whole new light. I read quite a few popular science books but none make me feel as consistently amazed as this guy.
3.8/5 - A reasonable comprehensible book for the layman with a few daunting concepts that may require you to reread a passage here or there. Probably one of the best explainers for lay-people. If you want to read about quantum gravity, this is probably your best option. He takes a complex subject and for the most part does a good job of explaining it for the layman. Some more complex bits are added in footnotes at times, but they're inconsequential to a general understanding of the concepts.
An interesting look at the journey to quantum gravity. We get a brief overview of a lot of historical figures who played their part in the progression of our current understanding and concepts\theories etc in physics. There were a couple times where the author could have explained things perhaps a bit clearer or more concisely, but overall it was pretty good.
There were moments toward the end where I felt the book should have ended by now, but I was tired when reading the last bit, so that's probably just me being a bit tired and impatient. I enjoyed it, but the last bit of the book didn't add too much once we got beyond the layered quantum fields aspect.
I found the spinfoam bits a bit confusing. There were 3 or 4 pages where I was just like, okay, I'm not going to get this right now completely. I was never that great a physics or maths student (I did a BA in English with honours, so take that as you will) .
I also found that the author would elaborate on things at times, just a few times, where I didn't feel like a layman was really meant to get what he said. Some terms were referred to without explanation (I forget what).
Again, not a bad book. If you're interested in the topic, it is definitely a good read. You probably won't find a more approachable book on the topic. I can't imagine, anyway. 95% of it was quite well explained for a middle aged layman like me with a curiosity of science and the absence of the physics and maths background.
An interesting look at the journey to quantum gravity. We get a brief overview of a lot of historical figures who played their part in the progression of our current understanding and concepts\theories etc in physics. There were a couple times where the author could have explained things perhaps a bit clearer or more concisely, but overall it was pretty good.
There were moments toward the end where I felt the book should have ended by now, but I was tired when reading the last bit, so that's probably just me being a bit tired and impatient. I enjoyed it, but the last bit of the book didn't add too much once we got beyond the layered quantum fields aspect.
I found the spinfoam bits a bit confusing. There were 3 or 4 pages where I was just like, okay, I'm not going to get this right now completely. I was never that great a physics or maths student (I did a BA in English with honours, so take that as you will) .
I also found that the author would elaborate on things at times, just a few times, where I didn't feel like a layman was really meant to get what he said. Some terms were referred to without explanation (I forget what).
Again, not a bad book. If you're interested in the topic, it is definitely a good read. You probably won't find a more approachable book on the topic. I can't imagine, anyway. 95% of it was quite well explained for a middle aged layman like me with a curiosity of science and the absence of the physics and maths background.
This book does a phenomenal job of explaining loop quantum gravity and makes it not only possible for a layperson to follow, but manages to keep it interesting throughout. The concept that space is granular (think of the way light is made up of individual photons) was explained in a way that was both logical and still addressed that this is a little mind-blowing. If you're interested in physics and aren't an expert, books like this help to ensure it's still accessible and understanding it isn't out of reach.
informative
fast-paced
The first half of the book, which is a history of physics, is extremely Eurocentric and hero-worshiping. But Rovelli's true skill shows when he starts explaining interesting problems in quantum gravity and potential solutions. As a physicist, I learned a lot!