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What We Cannot Know: Explorations at the Edge of Knowledge

Explorations at the Edge of Knowledge

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About this listen

Britain’s most famous mathematician takes us to the edge of knowledge to show us what we cannot know.

Is the universe infinite?

Do we know what happened before the Big Bang?

Where is human consciousness located in the brain?

And are there more undiscovered particles out there, beyond the Higgs boson?

In the modern world, science is king: weekly headlines proclaim the latest scientific breakthroughs and numerous mathematical problems, once indecipherable, have now been solved. But are there limits to what we can discover about our physical universe?

In this very personal journey to the edges of knowledge, Marcus du Sautoy investigates how leading experts in fields from quantum physics and cosmology, to sensory perception and neuroscience, have articulated the current lie of the land. In doing so, he travels to the very boundaries of understanding, questioning contradictory stories and consulting cutting edge data.

Is it possible that we will one day know everything? Or are there fields of research that will always lie beyond the bounds of human comprehension? And if so, how do we cope with living in a universe where there are things that will forever transcend our understanding?

In What We Cannot Know, Marcus du Sautoy leads us on a thought-provoking expedition to the furthest reaches of modern science. Prepare to be taken to the edge of knowledge to find out if there’s anything we truly cannot know.

 Astronomy & Space Science Cosmology Mathematics Physics Science Human Brain Black Hole

Critic reviews

‘Brilliant and fascinating. No one is better at making the recondite accessible and exciting’ Bill Bryson

‘I felt I was being carried off on a wonderful journey, a thrilling research expedition to the teasing and mysterious boundaries of scientific knowledge, and I never wanted to turn back. Du Sautoy is a masterful and friendly guide to these remotest regions … It is absolutely fascinating throughout, and I really loved it’ Richard Holmes

‘I admire and envy the clarity and authority with which Marcus du Sautoy addresses a range of profound issues. His book deserves a wide readership’ Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal
All stars
Most relevant
Sheer enjoyment listening to Prof du Sautoy's audiobook. I have read every mainstream book he has written but being able to listen to his wonderful and expressive voice takes it to another level. This is a masterpiece which will have many many relistens .

Fantastic !

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The strict curriculum of science we are taught in school often risks draining away the wonder that exploring science can bring. This book brings it all back. It is a gateway into both maths and physics, encouraging the listener to ask the right questions and really look for the right answer. Although some of the examples used get a little repetitive in points, they do serve the purpose of bringing clarity and confidence to the subject and du Sautoy does not fall into the trap of letting his examples belittle the audience of over-simplify the subject matter. The author’s enthusiasm is contagious and a joy to share in. I would wholehartedly recommend this book to everyone, regardless of their interest or knowledge about science.

An enticing invitation to the world of physics

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His religion is Atheism and he lets you know it but he does still provide an intelligent discussion of the philosophical arguments around belief systems. That's pretty impressive!

The questions he asks around science, philosophy, belief and maths are what makes this book special.

The few bits of maths are a little difficult especially when you can't see it.

Overall this is aprobably the best audio book I have listened to so far.

Excellent overall

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...this is a fabulous book... there is a probability that you will like it as much as I do. But I cannot know if you will like it in the same way or indeed as much as I do; how can we even begin to even measure the property of 'like'...? For now, I gave it five stars....

Now I know...

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Worth much more than the 7 pounds payed at Amazon. Very enjoyable book about physics, mathematics and cognitive science/brain science. I know quite a bit about the current state of affairs in physics, but i always enjoy a good book about this subject even if it overlaps what i know. Greatly narrated by the author and after listening to this book, you have shot up in my all time favorites, really one of the best. (for sake of clarity, no insult meant, my all time favorite physics book is "fearfull symmetry"). But Marcus du Sautoy, i didn't know you before, but i will read everything there is to read about you now. Thanks for this great book.

Great book. Wonderfully told.

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