Our Mathematical Universe cover art

Our Mathematical Universe

My Quest for the Ultimate Nature of Reality

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Our Mathematical Universe

By: Max Tegmark
Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
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About this listen

 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. Astronomy & Space Science Cosmology History & Philosophy Mathematics Philosophy Physics Science Astronomy Black Hole Thought-Provoking Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Mathematical Physics

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All stars
Most relevant
The narrator Rob is absolutely excellent and has clearly read through the material first. I hope he carries on doing more. It would actually sway my decision to purchase another title.

I haven't finished the book yet so will update when I do - but at chapter 4 I am enthralled and engaged and thoroughly enjoying.

I usually bombard myself with lectures (yes, self inflicted - I am old enough to have left school with O levels and not bothered with much more that wasn't earning money.)

This narrative is kind of personal and he makes no apologies for that. Not in rude way but sets out his stall early doors that he is not going to try to "balance" his theories by reciting 10 others. It's actually quite refreshing.

Well written and well read.

I'd pay extra for Shapiro

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I'm about 2/3rds through and am enjoying this book greatly. It provides a clear and accessible account of modern cosmology. Finally I understand why some people are very excited by measurements of cosmic microwave background radiation. The title may make you wonder whether this book will be hard work, but I didn't think so. You certainly don't have to do equations. Even though the subject matter (multiverses, general relativity & similar) may seem heavy going, the writing style of the book is quite chatty and enthusiastic, so it doesn't feel like work. And the narrator has a lovely smooth voice and reads with nice emphasis.

Enjoyable trip through spacetime - no maths needed

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I came to Our Mathematical Universe from another Tegmark work, Life 3.0 (which I also highly recommend).

The title of this book had me a little worried at first - because I've always struggled with mathematics. But I needn't have worried. This isn't a book of equations - but rather perhaps a book about equations. As a non-scientist, and non-mathematician, I found the material to be well explained. I feel I now understand concepts like quantum superposition reasonably well. And really, when you arrive at the final section, where Tegmark argues (spoiler) that education will save us all, that's probably the purpose of the book.

I've been thinking about a lot of the problems described in this book since I was a child - and for the first time I feel like I might have gotten close to some answers. What are the limits of our universe? How far does it extend, and how fine does its resolution go? It's really inspiring stuff.

And because it's written by Tegmark, there's an enjoyable drama here too. I found myself getting genuinely angry while the author described the treatment of Hugh Everett III by his fellow physicists. As someone who left academia rather disillusioned myself, this struck a personal chord for me.

If you're interested in the big questions, then I wholeheartedly recommend Our Mathematical Universe. Some of the ideas here sound pretty crazy at first, but then again, so is our existence itself (as the book will tell you). I'll be revisiting this one for sure - as well as seeking out a lot of the other books Tegmark recommends here.

I didn't find this quite as easy to follow as Life 3.0, and there was a point where I really struggled to keep up (about 75% of the way through). I don't know how many times I hit rewind so that I could get a better understanding of something. But it was very much worth it - I enjoyed every minute. 9/10. Very, very good stuff.

Incredible - and not just for mathematicians

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Fascinating and Inspiring book that will blow your mind. Complex concepts are beautifully explained. Highly recommended.
Audio editing needs reviewing as there are a few repeated sections on the first chapters

Mind blowing

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This is one of the better offerings dealing with the nature of reality / quantum implications / cosmology that I've read recently. If Tegmark had left out the name dropping and the personal anecdotes brimming with false modesty it would be worthy of a five star. He explains his ideas very well and it's relatively easy to follow his train of thought. Unfortunately the history lesson is still there - who discovered what and when - and whilst I understand why this is necessary it doesn't half get tiresome listening to the exact same account in every single book on the subject.

The narrator is very good, so why only three stars? Because the production is dire. On at least four occasions sections of the book are repeated. Did nobody bother to proof 'listen' to the finished product?

Good but flawed

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