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kcrouth's review against another edition
5.0
Having worked as an Electrical Engineer, analyzing semiconductor physics and designing analog integrated circuits, i thought i knew a decent amount about atomic physics and quantum theory. After reading this brilliantly written book, however, i now realize i know next to nothing. This story is truly a great story, a wonderful tribute to the brilliant and tenaciously hard working physicists, mathematicians, scientists and engineers and their astounding discoveries as they probe and poke at the very nature of matter, energy, of life as we know it, and life as we never even imagined it to be. Despite my graduate degree in applied physics (Electrical Engineering) specifically semiconductor circuits and design, technically speaking, i was lost after the first few chapters. But even as completely over my head the subject matter of this book is, the way that Dr. Krauss presents this amazing and ongoing tale is both engaging and accessible, even without understanding the esoteric field of science it is about. This is a worthy tribute to the fantastic intellects who worked together to help us understand our world, and our very existence better. A great book!!!
talne's review against another edition
4.0
The Greatest Story Ever Told - So Far indeed! Krauss begins our story of science, discovery and the human component of those in Classical Greece with Plato and his allegory, and ends with a discovery of immense proportions that, while groundbreaking, only brought more questions than answers. And in the end, I think that's the point Krauss is trying to make here (along with what feels like a PhD course in particle physics): we should not be content with a version of our world, or our place in it, in which all the answers have been given to us. Not by hard work, discovery, and acquiescence to our insignificance, but given by the desire to feel like we are in some way special.
Starting with Plato's cave allegory, and ideas of how light was crucial to that allegory, we delve into the modern discovery of what light is, and its impact on our understanding of the world. Light then continues to take us on this journey through the discovery of new particles, new physical relationships, and new theories of both. Again, and again theorists and experimentalists must revise these theories to fit with new discoveries, and our views of our world and our place it is changed ever so slightly. Each time it is both exciting and frustrating, as I think we all agree we as humans prefer a pat, clear solution. What we find instead is that the universe doesn't exist for us, and we must accept that.
Krauss does a great job of infusing the human part of the equation in his stories of revelation and discovery. It's not just about the science here, it's about the people who worked on that science, and I found that to help immensely when caring from more than an academic standpoint. It was also refreshing to hear about some of the (to me) more esoteric people involved in these discoveries. We all grew up reading about Einstein and Dirac and Dawkins, but the people like Glashow, Weinberg and Rubbia are equally important, and in some cases had a more hands on impact on the world of physics.
The book does tend to get scientific at times, so I would recommend both more than a passing interest in physics as well as a basic understanding of some of its concepts before beginning to read this. I made it through about halfway before I read and reread passages as well as had my phone handy to check on terms or ideas I had either forgotten or were glossed over. Additionally, I found some of Krauss' choices for criticizing other, less scientific views of the world didn't really land. I agree with his sentiment, but it felt out of place in this book.
I absolutely found this a worthwhile and fascinating read. Beyond some of the more difficult scientific discussions, it was enlightening, entertaining and informative. It's ignited a new passion for learning more about this world of physics, and I will definitely be revisiting it with some more experience under my belt.
Starting with Plato's cave allegory, and ideas of how light was crucial to that allegory, we delve into the modern discovery of what light is, and its impact on our understanding of the world. Light then continues to take us on this journey through the discovery of new particles, new physical relationships, and new theories of both. Again, and again theorists and experimentalists must revise these theories to fit with new discoveries, and our views of our world and our place it is changed ever so slightly. Each time it is both exciting and frustrating, as I think we all agree we as humans prefer a pat, clear solution. What we find instead is that the universe doesn't exist for us, and we must accept that.
Krauss does a great job of infusing the human part of the equation in his stories of revelation and discovery. It's not just about the science here, it's about the people who worked on that science, and I found that to help immensely when caring from more than an academic standpoint. It was also refreshing to hear about some of the (to me) more esoteric people involved in these discoveries. We all grew up reading about Einstein and Dirac and Dawkins, but the people like Glashow, Weinberg and Rubbia are equally important, and in some cases had a more hands on impact on the world of physics.
The book does tend to get scientific at times, so I would recommend both more than a passing interest in physics as well as a basic understanding of some of its concepts before beginning to read this. I made it through about halfway before I read and reread passages as well as had my phone handy to check on terms or ideas I had either forgotten or were glossed over. Additionally, I found some of Krauss' choices for criticizing other, less scientific views of the world didn't really land. I agree with his sentiment, but it felt out of place in this book.
I absolutely found this a worthwhile and fascinating read. Beyond some of the more difficult scientific discussions, it was enlightening, entertaining and informative. It's ignited a new passion for learning more about this world of physics, and I will definitely be revisiting it with some more experience under my belt.
alotfipoor's review against another edition
2.0
This was too smart for me.
I couldn't finish this book. His writing is to complex for explaining physical phenomena to the average reader. I'm not saying this is a bad book. but in my opinion, it's not suitable for average reader.
I couldn't finish this book. His writing is to complex for explaining physical phenomena to the average reader. I'm not saying this is a bad book. but in my opinion, it's not suitable for average reader.
kb_208's review against another edition
3.0
A pretty decent run through of many of the greatest breakthroughs in scientific history. Much of it I have read in other pop physics books, so there wasn't too much new territory. He also goes into pretty good detail about each of these scientist's discoveries and how it affected the world. Overall pretty interesting.
karafox31's review against another edition
3.0
This book was cool and I really have no idea what I read. Used to really look up to this guy but just found out he has multiple allegations against him so. Disappointing.
usrbinry4n's review against another edition
5.0
Really fun book. I highly suggest it to anyone thinking about reading it.
luiluilui's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome book - very insightful and a recommend for those who are into their sciences
a_manning11's review against another edition
3.0
The book is very interesting and starts out well written and understandable. However, it becomes progressively harder to follow and and the halfway point turned into pure gibberish. I tried to hang in there, but gave up in the end (at Bose-Einstein-Condensation). Maybe this book isn't as suitable as an audio book?