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Why Does The World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story (2012)

by Jim Holt(Favorite Author)

3.73 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0871404095 (ISBN13: 9780871404091)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Liveright Publishing Corporation

review 1: The book that dares ask the question: Why is there something, rather than nothing, and proceeds to answer in as many ways possible - none of them conclusive. I must admit I saw it coming, and I must also admit there was quite a bit of this book I couldn't follow. About once a year I dive into cosmology thinking I'm going to eventually be enlightened through accretion. If I read about it enough, one of these days I'm going to get it. Hasn't happened yet, but I'm happy to say that I enjoyed this survey of mathematicians, physicists, philosophers, and theologians - it's not often you get your mind stretched in so many different directions, or through so many interesting permutations.All in all I stick with the quote attributed to Sir Arthur Eddington (amongst others,) th... moreat "the universe in not only stranger than we imagine, but stranger than we can imagine."
review 2: Jim Holt does a great job taking his readers on a journey to explore the current state of the question "Why is there something rather than nothing". The first couple of chapters are an introduction to the question as well as its history and published beginnings with Aristotle. Holt then begins introducing us to the different theories and possibilities, and even approaches the idea that it's an absurd question to ask (since it is impossible for there to be nothing). Holt never offers you a best answer, just as well, in my opinion. The last two chapters are very touching, and a great way to conclude. You most likely wont find an answer to THE question after reading this. But it certainly is a great introduction to the numerous people who have theirs. less

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