
What We Cannot Know
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Narrated by:
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Marcus du Sautoy
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By:
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Marcus du Sautoy
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.
©2016 Marcus du Sautoy (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers LimitedCritic 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
Great angle on the history of science
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Great book. Wonderfully told.
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Interesting
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Any additional comments?
Marcus du Sautoy is an enthusiastic and engaging reader. As its his book he should be. The subjects are interesting and varied and all in all it is a book that makes you think. I'd like to sit in a pub and talk over this book with Mr du Sautoy. I reckon that would make a great evening.Well I don't know!
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such an interesting storytelling of science
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Fascinating is an understatement
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Definitely tickled my brain.
Wonderfully written and read!
Well done and keep doing more!!
Maths student here
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Then covers consciousness and a tiny bit of maths
Really enjoyed listening to the audiobook while pushing for the burn in the gym
Great for science fans
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Every chapter left me pondering for a good while afterwards.
Intriguing mix of maths, philosophy and science.
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Fantastic !
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