Reviews

The Accidental Universe: The World You Thought You Knew by Alan Lightman

7anooch's review against another edition

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4.0

Interesting musings combined with old man yelling at technology

vishnu_'s review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

3.75

wynter's review against another edition

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4.0

Thoroughly enjoyable marriage of science and philosophical writing. This collection of essays delivers exactly what it promises on the cover: to help you contemplate “the world you thought you knew.” From the musings on the appropriateness of religion in modern science to discussions about our fascination with symmetry, I found a lot of food for thought. I especially appreciate that the author and I share the same view on Richard Dawkins’ doctrine.

supernautster's review against another edition

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2.0

Divulgación científica para iniciados: El libro es un diario del autor, en el que expone su parecer personal respecto del universo.
Los que hayan leido otros libros de divulgación científica encontrarán a éste muy básico, sin mucho rigor científico. Tampoco existe un acercamiento poetíco y menos filosófico respecto de la relación del ser humano con la naturaleza.
Lo recomendaría para personas que aún no hayan tenido contacto con el mundo de la ciencia.

noodleboy667's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoy spending time with Alan Lightman and his thoughts. When I read from Lightman I ponder things that I’ve never pondered before. A little of my perspective changes and I see the world a little differently.

jiibii's review against another edition

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informative inspiring

4.75

oisincleere's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.5

yearofbluewater's review against another edition

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Managed to make it through one chapter, then gave up. I'm usually a fan of clear, simple language, but this book feels like it was written for elementary schoolers. If I were in fifth grade, I'm sure I would've loved it, but as it is this was boring and oddly condescending.

Do you guys think Alan Lightman has heard of a comma? Leave your opinion in the comments below.

likecymbeline's review against another edition

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3.0

I have more questions and uncertainties about my own life than ever, and am only now wondering if my turn to quantum physics and the cosmos and scientific explanations of time is a symptom of that uncertainty. As if I keep searching for answers in the Large Hadron Collider or the cosmic microwave background. Here I am, picking up another book of simple essays that take on the whole universe. Lightman, of course, blends some humanities in with his science as well as some amount of humanity, in the form of personal anecdotes about loved ones. This book didn't blow up my brain as much as others I've read, but it isn't a bad book for someone searching for a forgiving and humanist look at the universe.

estheria's review against another edition

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3.0

Not a bad book, but nothing new. Pop physics books are extraordinarily repetitive.