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ashcomb's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure if I can review this book. Not in a proper sense. As I read it, my mind kept wandering on things, being only able to pick up a thought here and there. It was like a stream-of-consciousness meeting another. The book is composed of several essays published before. They handle subjects like religion, limits of our knowledge, art, symmetry, and our need for meaning. The book asks a question: what if this is just an accidental universe?
Yet here we are, governed by the laws of nature, forming our beliefs about it while trying to fulfill our spiritual needs. Those laws that have made it possible for life to exist. To some, the answer to such pondering stems from a supreme being or intention, but to others, the answer lies in physics. Alan Lightman argues that our science is limited to answering all our questions. He takes a jab at Richard Dawkins and his argumentation even when Lightman himself is an atheist (if I understood correctly.) It's just that he doesn't care for Dawkins's argumentation.
This is not a pure physics book, even when Lightman is a theoretical physicist. Instead, this is more of ruminations about life and living. It's beautifully written and compelling, but as I wrote, it flowed past me, not really sticking. Who knows why? Still, it was a nice little book about the meaning of existing according to physics.
Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day <3
Yet here we are, governed by the laws of nature, forming our beliefs about it while trying to fulfill our spiritual needs. Those laws that have made it possible for life to exist. To some, the answer to such pondering stems from a supreme being or intention, but to others, the answer lies in physics. Alan Lightman argues that our science is limited to answering all our questions. He takes a jab at Richard Dawkins and his argumentation even when Lightman himself is an atheist (if I understood correctly.) It's just that he doesn't care for Dawkins's argumentation.
This is not a pure physics book, even when Lightman is a theoretical physicist. Instead, this is more of ruminations about life and living. It's beautifully written and compelling, but as I wrote, it flowed past me, not really sticking. Who knows why? Still, it was a nice little book about the meaning of existing according to physics.
Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day <3
ratvsrobot's review against another edition
5.0
With all the different sections, this book explored some great thinking points surrounding our universe. Touching upon accidental, experimental, religious, and the disappearing universe. I shared this book with a dear friend of mine and I’m glad she enjoyed the book as well, as often times scientific ramblings aren’t always enjoyed by the non science crew.
kb_208's review against another edition
4.0
A really nice set of short essays talking about different aspects of our universe. Each one is thought provoking, in that he talks about spirituality as well as science and makes them fit together very naturally.
dogtrax's review against another edition
4.0
I appreciate his skills as a writer, and a scientist, and the ways that he brings these two strands of seeing the world together.
griddleoctopus's review against another edition
3.0
Another scientist who wants to believe in something spiritual. Solid explanations of modern science but too light and pathetically human.
olityr's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Some of these essays were extremely deep and powerful. He's talking more about the philosophy of science than the conclusions in most cases, and it's enlightening.
My favorite quote comes from the essay called The Spiritual Universe:
"...The Central Doctrine of Science: All properties and events in the physical universe are governed by laws, and those laws are true at every time and place in the universe."
My favorite quote comes from the essay called The Spiritual Universe:
"...The Central Doctrine of Science: All properties and events in the physical universe are governed by laws, and those laws are true at every time and place in the universe."
7anooch's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting musings combined with old man yelling at technology
wynter's review against another edition
4.0
Thoroughly enjoyable marriage of science and philosophical writing. This collection of essays delivers exactly what it promises on the cover: to help you contemplate “the world you thought you knew.” From the musings on the appropriateness of religion in modern science to discussions about our fascination with symmetry, I found a lot of food for thought. I especially appreciate that the author and I share the same view on Richard Dawkins’ doctrine.
supernautster's review against another edition
2.0
Divulgación científica para iniciados: El libro es un diario del autor, en el que expone su parecer personal respecto del universo.
Los que hayan leido otros libros de divulgación científica encontrarán a éste muy básico, sin mucho rigor científico. Tampoco existe un acercamiento poetíco y menos filosófico respecto de la relación del ser humano con la naturaleza.
Lo recomendaría para personas que aún no hayan tenido contacto con el mundo de la ciencia.
Los que hayan leido otros libros de divulgación científica encontrarán a éste muy básico, sin mucho rigor científico. Tampoco existe un acercamiento poetíco y menos filosófico respecto de la relación del ser humano con la naturaleza.
Lo recomendaría para personas que aún no hayan tenido contacto con el mundo de la ciencia.