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Audible sample Sample
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics Audio CD – Unabridged, May 3, 2016
“One of the year’s most entrancing books about science.”—The Wall Street Journal
“Clear, elegant...a whirlwind tour of some of the biggest ideas in physics.”—The New York Times Book Review
This playful, entertaining, and mind-bending introduction to modern physics briskly explains Einstein's general relativity, quantum mechanics, elementary particles, gravity, black holes, the complex architecture of the universe, and the role humans play in this weird and wonderful world. Carlo Rovelli, a renowned theoretical physicist, is a delightfully poetic and philosophical scientific guide. He takes us to the frontiers of our knowledge: to the most minute reaches of the fabric of space, back to the origins of the cosmos, and into the workings of our minds. The book celebrates the joy of discovery. “Here, on the edge of what we know, in contact with the ocean of the unknown, shines the mystery and the beauty of the world,” Rovelli writes. “And it’s breathtaking.”
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPenguin Audio
- Publication dateMay 3, 2016
- Dimensions5.05 x 0.54 x 5.86 inches
- ISBN-10152472338X
- ISBN-13978-1524723385
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Get to know this book
What's it about?
A poetic, mind-bending exploration of modern physics' biggest ideas, from relativity to quantum mechanics and the universe's architecture.Popular highlight
In quantum mechanics no object has a definite position, except when colliding headlong with something else.3,431 Kindle readers highlighted thisPopular highlight
Or does it mean, as it seems to me, that we must accept the idea that reality is only interaction?3,083 Kindle readers highlighted thisPopular highlight
All of this is the result of an elementary intuition: that space and gravitational field are the same thing.2,286 Kindle readers highlighted this
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A startling and illustrative distillation of centuries of science.”—The Economist
“The man who makes physics sexy . . . the scientist they’re calling the next Stephen Hawking.” —The Times Magazine
“Lean, lucid and enchanting.”—New Scientist
“The essays in Seven Brief Lessons on Physics arrive like shots of espresso, which you can consume the way the Italians do, quickly and while standing up. As slim as a volume of poetry, Mr. Rovelli’s book also has that tantalizing quality that good books of poems have; it artfully hints at meanings beyond its immediate scope... [H]is book is a roll call of the scientists who have taken us so far, from Einstein and Niels Bohr through Werner Heisenberg and Stephen Hawking... The lessons in Mr. Rovelli’s book, as elegiac as they are incisive, do them justice.”—The New York Times
“Delightful. . . . The metaphors are vivid, the visions dramatic.”—Nature
“A very slim volume that contains multitudes... Italian theoretical physicist and writer Carlo Rovelli uses a conversational tone to untangle the most complicated yet most beautiful advances in science in modern history... You'll feel a whole lot smarter for having read this elegant, straightforward little book.”—Esquire, The Best Books of 2016 (So Far)
“The writing is elegant and poetic, and Carlo's explanatory clarity is compelling. He organized this short book into seven lessons that introduce the non-specialized reader to the most fascinating questions about the universe, including how we learn about it.”—NPR
“Rovelli has a rare knack for conveying the top line of scientific theories in clear and compelling terms without succumbing to the lure of elaborate footnotes... a breath of fresh air.”—The Guardian
“Brief but eloquent... The slim volume is stereotypically the province of poetry, but this beautifully designed little book shows that science, with its curiosity, its intense engagement with what there really is, its readiness to jettison received ways of seeing, is a kind of poetry too”—Financial Times
“[Carlo Rovelli’s] concise and comprehensible writing makes sense of intricate notions such as general relativity, quantum mechanics, cosmology and thermodynamics. Rovelli's enthusiastic and poetic descriptions communicate the essence of these topics without getting bogged down in details.”—Scientific American
“[A] quick, engaging read…fun and insightful…you wouldn’t go wrong taking [it] to the beach this summer.”—Forbes
“Fascinating on every level.”—Daily Herald
“This beautiful little volume playfully introduces its readers to several basic principles of physics in an easy-to-grasp style that will surprise and delight you.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“Few writers have dared to compress the knowledge of a century’s worth of physics into less than 80 pages. Even fewer have succeeded with a touch of Carlo Rovelli’s clarity and verve…A sweeping presentation of the great ideas and discoveries of 20th century physics, aimed at readers with no scientific background whatsoever. It’s a joy to read.”—Gizmodo
“A slim poetic meditation... Rovelli belongs to a great Italian tradition of one-culture science writing that encompasses the Roman poet Lucretius, Galileo, Primo Levi and Italo Calvino. The physics here is comprehensible and limpid, and Rovelli gives it an edge through his clear-eyed humanistic interpretations.”—The Independent
“Slim and stimulating…Wonderfully poetic.”—Brain Pickings
“Written to be accessible and to appeal to the imagination of the liberal arts major…Rovelli highlights the beauty of theories of gravity, time, and consciousness.”—The Curious Wavefunction
“Rovelli's offering is a marvelous feast which should ignite a renewed sense of inspiration regarding the reach and beauty of science even in hardened veterans.”—The Millions
“In a world where the public is interested in science, Rovelli is a great ambassador whose passion can be found in Seven Brief Lessons on Physics.”—International Business Times
"It was eye-opening for me and truly changed how I will go forward in reading and learning about science."—Amy Poehler's Smart Girls
“For the curious reader ready to plunge into theoretical physics, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli is a short accessible introduction. The chapters are manageable chunks of famous theories, most recognizable even to those of us who don’t happen to have a Ph.D... Mr. Rovelli shows how scientists can not only accept [contradictions between theories] but also revel in its infuriating layers.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Ultimately, Rovelli portrays the universe as a strange place where space-time, the present, the past and the future are illusions, and his unfolding of the mystery and the beauty of the universe is breathtaking.”—Raleigh News & Observer
“An intriguing meditation on the nature of the universe and our attempts to understand it that should appeal to both scientists and general readers.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“This enchanting book…looks at physics as a continually changing quest for understanding our universe, instead of immutable laws of nature... The essays are a joyous celebration of scientific wonder.”—Publishers Weekly
“Rovelli's enthusiasm for his subject is evident throughout, and his conversational tone brings an often dry subject to vibrant life. For those curious about the natural world and who wonder what actually exists outside Earth's atmosphere, Rovelli's explanations will intrigue and delight.”—Shelf Awareness
“Seven Brief Lessons on Physics is a science book that reads like a poem, and resonates like one, too.”—Bookpage
“Rovelli does a masterful job breaking down complex subjects, like Einstein's theory of relativity and gravitational waves, into simple, easy-to-understand concepts.”—Law 360
“In Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, Carlo Rovelli delivers physics lessons in a most untraditional way, inspiring readers to think differently, to get excited about discovery, to open their minds, to see beauty in the strange... Exquisite... If you love nonfiction and science as much as you love literary fiction, this is a must-read.”—Lovely Bookshelf
“If you want to understand what gets physicists out of bed in the morning, there is no better guide than Rovelli... Seven Brief Lessons on Physics is an absorbing, lovely book... This is physics as romantic poetry and, by God, it’s beguiling”—New Statesman
“Bite-sized but big on ideas: Carlo Rovelli’s Seven Brief Lessons on Physics … makes the mysteries of the universe almost comprehensible.”—Evening Standard
“Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons on Physics has turned relativity and quantum physics into best-selling material.”—la Repubblica
“Physics has always been popularized, but professor Rovelli’s book is something else: his prose stands out as pristine and seductive at the same time, with all the substance that arouses a real interest in his readers.”—Corriere della Sera
“Plain words can be utterly beautiful when they tell a thrilling story. Carlo Rovelli's words take us on a great adventure as the human mind reaches out to understand the universe. The book is a joy.”—Alan Alda
“Wonderfully clear and vivid. Carlo Rovelli manages to convey the mystery of very large things and very small things with brilliant effect.”—Philip Pullman, author of theHis Dark Materials trilogy
“Rovelli has found a new way to talk about science, simple and keen. His seven lessons are as graceful, terse and dreamy as only poetry can sometimes be.”—Paolo Giordano, author ofThe Solitude of Prime Numbers
“This brief and beautiful introduction to a few key discoveries of modern physics reminds us that the roots of science are curiosity and wonder.”—Lee Smolin, physicist and author, Time Reborn and The Trouble with Physics
“No one should hold office unless they have read Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons on Physics.”—Nick Harkaway, author of The Gone-Away World and Angelmaker
“This is a beautiful and moving book that will make you see the world with different eyes. It is soulfully human and yet full of the wonder of the natural universe. Rovelli somehow conveys the scope and depth of modern physics in everyday language without losing the poetry of the mathematical equations.”—Jenann Ismael, professor of philosophy at University of Arizona
From the Artist
Product details
- Publisher : Penguin Audio; Unabridged edition (May 3, 2016)
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 152472338X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1524723385
- Item Weight : 3.52 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.05 x 0.54 x 5.86 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,162,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,934 in Cosmology (Books)
- #2,948 in Astrophysics & Space Science (Books)
- #11,015 in Books on CD
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers find the book fun, interesting, and deeply moving. They also describe it as a quick, easy read that provides a practical rundown. Readers describe the content as enlightening, intentional, economical, and clear. They describe the writing as very well written and full of colorful insight into the world of physicists.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book very enlightening, practical, and brilliant for non-physicists. They say it explains some of the major theories without needing a background in physics. Readers also mention that every page is a gem, using simple metaphors and clear language.
"...Einstein’s theories are simply and elegantly explained in plain non-scientific language...." Read more
"...Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli. It is a nice companion book for the not even amateur reader like myself and a lovely intro for one..." Read more
"Perfect for the science/math-curious, and still nice for the already science/math-comfortable.It's an engaging & fast read." Read more
"Not a difficult read and very interesting subjects, all explained in a non academic way...." Read more
Customers find the book very well written, nearly poetic, and eloquent. They also say the English version flows smoothly and is full of colorful insight into the world of the physicist.
"...Please read it, it is very nearly poetic and written to the intelligence of the most casual reader...." Read more
"...In a very scientific but specially in a very human style, Rovelly clarify lots of doubts and helps positivelly to update the general public on the..." Read more
"This brief, beautifully written book is not only a clear and profound discussion of the greatest achievements of modern physics, it is also a..." Read more
"...I enjoyed his writing style and his excitement for shedding light on these topics clearly illuminates the reader's curiosity...." Read more
Customers find the book a quick, brief read that provides a practical rundown and jumping off point. They also say the lessons are understandable enough to peak their imagination.
"...Together they provide a rapid overview of the most fascinating aspects of the great revolution that has occurred in physics in the twentieth and..." Read more
"Very short essays on major areas of modern physics. The more philosophical insights are interesting, but the discussion of physics is superficial...." Read more
"Not a difficult read and very interesting subjects, all explained in a non academic way...." Read more
"...Rovelli's essays are among the clearest and most comprehensible summaries of the astonishing breakthroughs in modern physics that any reader will..." Read more
Customers find the book easy to understand, with no mathematical explanations. They also say it makes physics accessible and enchanting.
"Requires a high level of curiosity about physics but easily understood. And satisfying for low to mid level student of physicsEnjoy!" Read more
"Not a difficult read and very interesting subjects, all explained in a non academic way...." Read more
"...This book, however, while certainly very short and basic, does help to explain some of the major theories, without your needing a background in the..." Read more
"Book is a an easy given the information it provides. Not overwhelming for someone who just wants the basics of physics." Read more
Customers find the book fun, interesting, and well worth the time. They also say the author's enthusiasm is infectious, and he's a great tour guide. Readers also mention the book is profound, lucid, and deeply moving. They say it's not overwhelming for someone who just wants the basics of physics, and that the author injects some humor.
"...And satisfying for low to mid level student of physicsEnjoy!" Read more
"...It's an engaging & fast read." Read more
"...It is profound, lucid, and deeply moving. It is about the meaning of life itself, and it is wonderful." Read more
"...us on the status of the universe with remarkable brevity, and it's worth reading if you are interested in these concepts or know nothing about them..." Read more
Customers find the book's reading pace quick, fast, and easy. They say it's a great way to get a quick update on the latest thoughts on Physics.
"...It's an engaging & fast read." Read more
"...A fast read, but far from shallow." Read more
"...It goes by quick and entertainingly, even on otherwise very difficult subjects." Read more
"...Nonetheless, it was a pleasant read and fast...Each chapter just left me hungry for more details...." Read more
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By Bob Gelms
I have two science books that, over the years, have become my favorites, The Elegant Universe and The Field. I have just found a third, Carlo Rovelli’s Seven Brief Lessons on Physics. Keep reading, it’s not what you think.
First of all I have to tell you that there isn’t any math in the book. There is one equation that Mr. Rovelli prints just to show you what it looks like. It’s not very famous unless you are already a physicist. In the preface he states, “These lessons were written for those who know little or nothing about modern science. Together they provide a rapid overview of the most fascinating aspects of the great revolution that has occurred in physics in the twentieth and twenty first century…”
In the spirit of Mr. Rovelli’s book, physics is the concrete explanation of the magic of the universe. It is the search for the truth about how everything in the universe operates interdependently on a grand scale (galaxies) and on the minute scale (electrons, protons, neutrons, quarks, gluons, etc.) This search, at times, has been fraught with the real danger of losing your life. Galileo was almost burned at the stake, commuted to life imprisoned under house arrest, for simply saying that the Earth revolved around the Sun. Scientists in the twentieth century are a little better off.
The book is very short. If you have the print version, it’s 81 pages long, with only seven chapters called lessons. It starts at the beginning of the twentieth century with, next to Isaac Newton, the most important physicist in all of history, Albert Einstein. Einstein’s theories are simply and elegantly explained in plain non-scientific language. The culmination of his work is called A General Theory of Relativity, in addition to three or four other papers that were glossed over and initially laughed at.
Once the scientific community caught up with Einstein’s brain they were struck dumb with the beauty and simplicity of his vision for the operation of the universe. It has always struck me curious that when he won the Nobel Prize it wasn’t for relativity (E=MC2). It was for one of those glossed over papers on the nature of light. He did all of his work on relativity and the photoelectric effect in 1905, when he was 26 years old. Over the years, he became a towering giant in the history of science while remaining a gentle and kind man.
The second lesson covers the exact opposite of Einstein’s theories. Planck, Bohr, and Heisenberg all contributed in some degree to the theory of the littlest “things” in the universe, which came to be called quantum mechanics. It deals with atoms and the particles that make them up, showing how they interact with the ever-changing landscape around and in them. Then all hell broke loose.
It seems that the rules and regs that describe perfectly Einstein’s big universe of galaxies, stars, solar systems and planets do not work if you apply those rules and regs to the little world of quantum mechanics. Conversely if you take the rules and regs of the little universe of quantum mechanics and apply them to Einstein’s big universe you will find that they don’t work. WELL. Both theories contradict one another and they shouldn’t because they both work perfectly in their own space and time. The big prize in physics these days is to find the link between the two because it is inherent in both theories that there be something that draws them together. Einstein called it the unified field theory and he tried to find it his whole life. He failed.
Lessons One, Two and Seven are the far and away the most interesting and most important in the book. The other essays cover more popular topics like time, black holes, probability, particles, and a lesson called Grains of Space which is a brief explanation of a theory founded by Mr. Rovell, himself a theoretical physicist. In it, he attempts, I think, to reconcile the big with the small worlds of physics. It is called loop quantum gravity and it’s where general relativity meets quantum mechanics.
In many ways the most interesting of all the essays is the last one. It’s simply called Ourselves. This is where Mr. Rovelli attempts to equate us, homo sapiens, to the interworking of the universe. We are all made of stardust put together using the immutable laws of nature. Our bodies conform to how the atoms we are made of obey quantum mechanics and the way in which we pass through time and space. It is utterly fascinating. I had an “oh wow” moment.
I’d like to close with Mr. Rovelli’s words. “Here, on the edge of what we know, in contact with the ocean of the unknown, shines the mystery and the beauty of the world. And it’s breathtaking.”
Somewhere along the line I got interested in reading into Quantum physics. All the while clinging to the famous quote to the effect that if you think you understand Quantum, you don’t.
And so, to this slim gem of a book. Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli. It is a nice companion book for the not even amateur reader like myself and a lovely intro for one barely willing to read its 80 pages. Please read it, it is very nearly poetic and written to the intelligence of the most casual reader.
For me, there was little new for about 3 chapters. These were fun because he gave me another way to think about and understand things, I had struggled to take in.
Then he steps int what is more nearly poetry than science, and is entirely science. What we are asked to consider is that the universe is driven by probability. The outcome of every interaction is never more than a probability. Enven heat flows one way because that way is the more likely. For that matter, try this for contemplation. Time is (probably) heat flow.
The past is gone, the future does not exist yet, but we are all certain of the right now. Why? What does ‘now’ mean? How do you express it as a formula? Great questions. Follow these thoughts where Rovelli takes you then launch out into your own directions.
Enjoy!
It's an engaging & fast read.