Max Tegmark is author or coauthor of more than two hundred technical papers, twelve of which have been cited more than five hundred times. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a physics professor at MIT.
Brian Greene, physicist, author of"The Elegant Universe"and"The
Hidden Reality
" "Our Mathematical Universe"boldlyconfronts 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.
Michio Kaku, author of"Physics of the Future
" Daring, Radical. Innovative. A game changer. If Dr. Tegmark is
correct, this represents a paradigm shift in the relationship
between physics and mathematics, forcing us to rewrite our
textbooks. A must read for anyone deeply concerned about our
universe.
Ray Kurzweil, author ofTh"e Singularity is Near
" Tegmark offers a fresh and fascinating perspective on the fabric
of physical reality and life itself. He helps us see ourselves in a
cosmic context that highlights the grand opportunities for the
future of life in our universe.
Prof. Edward Witten, physicist, Fields Medalist & Milner
Laureate
Readers of varied backgrounds will enjoy this book. Almost anyone
will find something to learn here, much to ponder, and perhaps
something to disagree with.
Prof. Andrei Linde, physicist, Gruber & Milner Laureate for
development of inflationary cosmology
This inspirational book written by a true expert presents an
explosive mixture of physics, mathematics and philosophy which may
alter your views on reality.
Prof. Mario Livio, astrophysicist, author ofBrilliant
Blundersand"Is God a Mathematician?
" Galileo famously said that the universe is written in the
language of mathematics. Now Max Tegmark says that the universe IS
mathematics. You don t have to necessarily agree, to enjoy this
fascinating journey into the nature of reality.
Prof. Julian Barbour, physicist, author of"The End of Time
" Scientists and lay aficionados alike will find Tegmark s book
packed with information and very thought provoking. You may recoil
from his thesis, but nearly every page will make you wish you could
debate the issues face-to-face with him.
Prof. Seth Lloyd, Professor of quantum mechanical engineering, MIT,
author ofProgramming the Universe
In "Our Mathematical Universe," renowned cosmologist Max Tegmark
takes us on a whirlwind tour of the universe, past, present and
other. With lucid language and clear examples, Tegmark provides us
with the master measure of not only of our cosmos, but of all
possible universes. The universe may be lonely, but it is not
alone.
Prof. David Deutsch, physicist, Dirac Laureate for pioneering
quantum computing
A lucid, engaging account of the various many-universes theories of
fundamental physics that are currently being considered, from the
multiverse of quantum theory to Tegmark s own grand vision.
Amir Alexander, "The New York Times
" This is science writing at its best dynamic, dramatic and
accessible. [ ] Our Mathematical Universe is nothing if not
impressive. Brilliantly argued and beautifully written, it is
neverless than thought-provoking about the greatest mysteries of
our existence.
"Publishers Weekly"(starred review)
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.
Bryce Cristensen, "Booklist"(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.
Robert Matthews, "BBC Focus magazine"
Max Tegmark isa professor of physics at MIT and a leading expert on
theories of the Universe. But he s also arguably the nearest wehave
to a successor to Richard Feynman, the bongo-playing, wise-cracking
physicist who proved it is possible to be smart, savvy and
subversive at thesame time. [ ]now Mad Max has been given the
freedom of an entire book. And he hasn't wasted it. Around half of
it is alucid tour d'horizon of what we know about the Universe. The
rest is an exhilarating expedition far beyond conventional
thinking, in search of the truemeaning of reality. Don't be fooled:
Tegmark is a very smart physicist, not a hand-waving philosopher,
so the going gets tough in parts. But his insightsand conclusions
are staggering and perhaps even crazy enough to be true.
Andrew Liddle, "Nature"
Cosmologist Max Tegmark haswritten an engaging and accessible book,
Our Mathematical Universe, that grapples with this multiverse
scenario. He aims initially at the scientificallyliterate public,
but seeks to take us to and, indeed, beyond the frontiers of
accepted knowledge. [ ] This is a valuable book, written in a
deceptively simple style but not afraid to makesignificant demands
on its readers, especially once the multiverse level gets turned up
to four. It is impressive how far Tegmark can carry you until,
likea cartoon character running off a cliff, you wonder whether
there is anything holding you up. "
"
Peter Woit, "The WallStreet Journal"
"Our Mathematical Universe" is a fascinating and well-executed
dramatic argument from a talented expositor.
Edward Frenkel, "The New York Times Sunday Book Review"
"An informative survey of exciting recent developments in
astrophysics and quantum theory [...] Tegmark participated in some
of thesepioneering developments, and he enlivens his story with
personal anecdotes. [...] Tegmark does an excellent job explaining
this andother puzzles in a way accessible to nonspecialists. Packed
with clever metaphors
Nathan Gelgud, "Biographile Nathan Gelgud, "Biographile""
Just a few years ago, the idea ofmultiple universes was seen as a
crackpot idea, not even on the margins of respectability. [ ]But
now, thanks in large part toTegmark and his pursuit of
controversial ideas, the concept of multiple universes (or a
multiverse) is considered likely by many experts in the field.[
]Tegmark's clear, engaging prose style can take you down these
exciting andunexpected pathways of thought without making you feel
lost. [...] in Our Mathematical Universe, we meet a revolutionary
cosmology physicist who ishell bent on figuring out if that theory
is true, how to prove it, how to use it, and what it means for the
world as we know it.
Clive Cookson, "Financial Times"
Today multiple universes arescientifically respectable, thanks to
the work of Tegmark as much as anyone. [...] Physics could do with
more characters like Tegmark. He combines animaginative intellect
and a charismatic presence with a determination to promote his
subject [...] enough will be comprehensible for
non-scientificreaders to enjoy an amazing ride through the rich
landscape of contemporary cosmology. There are many interesting
diversions from the mainargument, from an assessment of threats to
human civilisation (such as a 30 per cent risk of nuclear war) to
the chance of intelligent life elsewhere inour galaxy (lower than
astrobiologists like to think). Written in a lively and slightly
quirky style, it should engage any reader interested in the
infinitevariety of nature.
Mark Buchanan, New Scientist
The book is an excellent guide to recent developments in quantum
cosmology and the ongoing debate over theories of
paralleluniverses....Perhaps this book is proof that the two
personalities needed for science the speculative and sceptic can
readily existin one individual.
PeterForbes, "The Independent"
"In "Our Mathematical Universe," Max Tegmark a distinguished
cosmologist gives a lucid rundown ofthe current state of knowledge
on the origin, present state, and fate of the universe(s). [...] It
is immenselyilluminating on the reach of current cosmological
theories. [...] From time to time, Tegmark engagingly admits
thatsuch ideas sound like nonsense, but he makes the crucial point
that if a theory makes good predictions you haveto follow all of
the consequences. [...] His concluding chapter on the risks
humanity faces is wise and bracing: hebelieves we "are alone in our
Universe" but are capable of tackling terrible threats from cosmic
accidents, or self-induced nuclear or climatic catastrophes. He
doesn t cite poets but his philosophy adds up to an updated
21st-century version of Thomas Hardy's 'If way to the better there
be, it exacts a full look at the worst.'"
Giles Whittell, "The Times"
"mind-bending book about the cosmos" [...] "Tegmark's achievement
is to explain what on earth he is talkingabout in language any
reasonably attentive reader will understand. He is a professor at
MIT, and clearly a fineteacher as well as thinker. He tackles the
big, interrelated questions of cosmology and subatomic physics
muchmore intelligibly than, say, Stephen Hawking."
Brian Rotman, "The Guardian
""Max Tegmark's doorstopper of a book takes aim at three great
puzzles: how large is reality? What is everythingmade of? Why is
our universe the way it is? Tegmark, a professor of physics at MIT,
writes at the cutting edge ofcosmology and quantum theory in
friendly and relaxed prose, full of entertaining anecdotes and
down-to-earthanalogies."
Stephen Hirtle, "The Pittsburg Post-Gazette"
""Our Mathematical Universe"is a delightful book in which the
Swedish-born author, now at MIT, takes readers on a roller coaster
ride through cosmology, quantum mechanics, parallel universes,
sub-atomicparticles and the future of humanity. It is quite an
adventure with many time-outs along the way.... "OurMathematical
Universe" gives keen insight into someone who asks questions for
the pure joy of answering them."
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