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jk0323 's review for:
Reality is Not What it Seems: The Journey to Quantum Gravity
by Carlo Rovelli
Once or twice a year I attempt a book on theoretical physics with the knowledge that I am unlikely to grasp even a fraction of the principles proposed. In this way I have tried to stay somewhat abreast on advances in quantum mechanics and previously string theory.
This book was no exception in that many of the concepts of quantum gravity are extremely difficult to parse, but this book had a few things going for it that set it above the usual popular physics fare:
1) a thorough and extremely well organized historical survey of physics, beginning from ancient Greece, that repeatedly returned to the 10,000 ft view to show how our understanding of the universe has evolved. This was interesting and helpful to see not just where we are, but where we came from and how we moved from one step to the next. This holds for every step of the way, but was most salient in describing how and when both relativity and quantum mechanics work, as well as when the two systems merge (big bang and black holes) and necessitate a new theory to synthesize them.
2. It cleared up a LOT on the so called spookiness of quantum theory, and examined why the author believes in quantum loop theory over string theory. Also, it explained current evidence that showed how certain oddities in string theory were not inherent to the universe, but rather represented our failure to grasp the true nature of reality. Rovelli's explanation of 'information' (a word that does considerable lifting in this work), drastically cleared up my confusion with many odd aspects of quantum mechanics.
3. Thermal time... Mind blown.
Overall, a wonderful book that will reward your patience with a great survey of physics, and well worth your time even if you chose to skip the more speculative final chapters (though I recommend against doing that!).
This book was no exception in that many of the concepts of quantum gravity are extremely difficult to parse, but this book had a few things going for it that set it above the usual popular physics fare:
1) a thorough and extremely well organized historical survey of physics, beginning from ancient Greece, that repeatedly returned to the 10,000 ft view to show how our understanding of the universe has evolved. This was interesting and helpful to see not just where we are, but where we came from and how we moved from one step to the next. This holds for every step of the way, but was most salient in describing how and when both relativity and quantum mechanics work, as well as when the two systems merge (big bang and black holes) and necessitate a new theory to synthesize them.
2. It cleared up a LOT on the so called spookiness of quantum theory, and examined why the author believes in quantum loop theory over string theory. Also, it explained current evidence that showed how certain oddities in string theory were not inherent to the universe, but rather represented our failure to grasp the true nature of reality. Rovelli's explanation of 'information' (a word that does considerable lifting in this work), drastically cleared up my confusion with many odd aspects of quantum mechanics.
3. Thermal time... Mind blown.
Overall, a wonderful book that will reward your patience with a great survey of physics, and well worth your time even if you chose to skip the more speculative final chapters (though I recommend against doing that!).