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  • Our Mathematical Universe

  • My Quest for the Ultimate Nature of Reality
  • Written by: Max Tegmark
  • Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
  • Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (91 ratings)

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Our Mathematical Universe

Written by: Max Tegmark
Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
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Publisher's Summary

Max Tegmark leads us on an astonishing journey through past, present and future, and through the physics, astronomy, and mathematics that are the foundation of his work, most particularly his hypothesis that our physical reality is a mathematical structure and his theory of the ultimate multiverse. In a dazzling combination of both popular and groundbreaking science, he not only helps us grasp his often mind-boggling theories, but he also shares with us some of the often surprising triumphs and disappointments that have shaped his life as a scientist. Fascinating from first to last - this is a book that has already prompted the attention and admiration of some of the most prominent scientists and mathematicians.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2014 Max Tegmark (P)2013 Random House Audio

What the critics say

“Tegmark offers a fascinating exploration of multiverse theories, each one offering new ways to explain ‘quantum weirdness’ and other mysteries that have plagued physicists, culminating in the idea that our physical world is ‘a giant mathematical object’ shaped by geometry and symmetry. Tegmark’s writing is lucid, enthusiastic, and outright entertaining, a thoroughly accessible discussion leavened with anecdotes and the pure joy of a scientist at work.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Lively and lucid, the narrative invites general readers into debates over computer models for brain function, over scientific explanations of consciousness, and over prospects for finding advanced life in other galaxies. Though he reflects soberly on the perils of nuclear war and of hostile artificial intelligence, Tegmark concludes with a bracingly upbeat call for scientifically minded activists who recognize a rare opportunity to make our special planet a force for cosmic progress. An exhilarating adventure for bold readers.” (Bryce Cristensen, Booklist, starred review)

“Our Mathematical Universe boldly confronts one of the deepest questions at the fertile interface of physics and philosophy: why is mathematics so spectacularly successful at describing the cosmos? Through lively writing and wonderfully accessible explanations, Max Tegmark—one of the world’s leading theoretical physicists—guides the reader to a possible answer, and reveals how, if it’s right, our understanding of reality itself would be radically altered.” (Brian Greene, physicist, author of The Elegant Universe and The Hidden Reality)  

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A deeply engaging look at our universe(s).

The most engaging, well articulated and compelling book on the universe that I have ever read.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not mathematical but physical universe

from one academic to another. I dont usually write reviews but for some reason I really felt like writing one for this because I know the author is very accomplished and could have done a much better job than most in the discipline but disappointed me as a reader/listener.
I was very enthusiastic about reading this book but it didnt last long. You ask important questions like where did the universe come from and what was before the big bang but fall far far short of discussing these in detail but rather stop way early in the discussion and then digress making the reader feel we have already tackled the question. I understand that many questions remain unanswered but if you raise them then conclude them. The book seemed like a half baked dish which you start cooking and then taste half way through and feel its going in the right direction and then turn the oven off to focus on another dish.
If you dont mind may I suggest you check "a brief history of everything". he is obviously not at your level in terms of knowledge but has written the book really well. just a suggestion for your next book. thanks.

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  • Tom
  • 2017-11-22

Tough and fun

The concepts are sometimes difficult to follow but fun none the less. A great book

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A brilliant manifesto!

This book is required reading for anyone struggling to understand the most pressing issues in modern cosmology.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Essential reading

Hopeful, oracular, amazing. Max Tegmark is one of the greatest thinkers, scientists and humanists of our time. His views are idiosyncratic, yet positive, compelling, and optimistic. Possibly the best what-the-hell-is-actually-going-on books I’ve read.

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Mind blown

Fascinating! Max does us all a favor by explaining so well the limits of human knowledge of physics in a way non-scientists can understand. He lost me a bit in the 3rd and 4th level multiverses but that's on me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Blew through this one. Well written and well read!

I will do another go around on this book soon. If you're a fan of Life 3.0 then this will definitely be one to add to your collection.

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Important & Inspiring

I’ve read this book but keep going back to it- definitely one of the most important books of our time.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

This is not science, this is scientism.

“Scientific lifestyle” - this is where you lost me, mr.Tegmark. It’s not that I disagree with all your ideas - some of them make sense. It’s the approach and the attitude that I find objectionable. Entertaining, but has nothing to do with science.

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