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A review by ambivia
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
5.0
4.5 stars. Accessibly written, incredibly interesting, and existentially affirming in a way only astronomy can be. I was so excited to be reading this book that I didn't want to put the audiobook down. I learned so much — about the space between galaxies, which I had no idea was as deadly as it was; about the formation of particles and matter in those crucial first moments of the big bang; and especially about dark matter and dark energy, which I'm so glad I have some understanding of now because they seemed very scary mysterious concepts before — and Tyson's narration helped with that. He narrates the audiobook as if he might be having a conversation with you, or giving an intimate lecture for just a few people. My favourite part of the book is the last chapter, The Cosmic Perspective, where he takes a break from exploring these big astrophysical concepts to ground that knowledge to Earth and its people.
The premise of the book — making the intriguing and intimidating subject of astrophysics more accessible or those who haven't had the time or privilege to study the science — is one that really resonates with me. And I appreciate that the author did mention that as important as he thinks it is for humanity to continue studying astrophysics, he also mentions that those who can are in very privileged positions to be able to do so (see quotation). The majority of humanity is suffering from poverty — a sobering reminder, considering that thinking about the cosmos makes us all seem so connected and similar, and that we are infinitely more alike than we are different each and every one of us.
I would recommend this for anyone interested in learning more about our place in the cosmos. The audiobook in particular made for a cosy afternoon of awestruck exploration among the stars.
The cosmic perspective not only embraces our genetic kinship with all life on Earth but also values our chemical kinship with any yet-to-be discovered life in the universe, as well as our atomic kinship with the universe itself.
The premise of the book — making the intriguing and intimidating subject of astrophysics more accessible or those who haven't had the time or privilege to study the science — is one that really resonates with me. And I appreciate that the author did mention that as important as he thinks it is for humanity to continue studying astrophysics, he also mentions that those who can are in very privileged positions to be able to do so (see quotation). The majority of humanity is suffering from poverty — a sobering reminder, considering that thinking about the cosmos makes us all seem so connected and similar, and that we are infinitely more alike than we are different each and every one of us.
“The four most common, chemically active elements in the universe—hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen—are the four most common elements of life on Earth, with carbon serving as the foundation of biochemistry. We do not simply live in this universe. The universe lives within us.”
I would recommend this for anyone interested in learning more about our place in the cosmos. The audiobook in particular made for a cosy afternoon of awestruck exploration among the stars.