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The Big Picture

On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself
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( 9,470 ratings, 989 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Big Picture by Sean Carroll explores the nature of reality through the lens of science, philosophy, and human existence. The book delves into topics such as the origins of life, consciousness, and the laws of physics, offering a comprehensive perspective on how the universe works and our place within it.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the profound questions of existence, including the nature of the universe, life, and consciousness. It beautifully weaves together science, philosophy, and a touch of wonder to explore how we fit into the grand scheme of things.

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The Big Picture

The instant New York Times bestseller that went on to inspire Professor Brian Cox

Set to put Carroll alongside our greatest humanist thinkers from Stephen Hawking and Carl Sagan to Daniel Dennett and E.O. Wilson

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In The Big Picture, acclaimed theoretical physicist Sean Carroll takes readers on a journey through the fundamental workings of our universe. This masterful narrative spans the quantum realm, the vast cosmic expanse, and the intricacies of human existence. Carroll weaves together cutting-edge science and profound philosophical questions to explore how the principles of the universe relate to human values and the essence of life itself.

Over the last few centuries, a torrent of scientific breakthroughs has revolutionised our understanding of reality, reshaping our perception of what truly matters. Carroll provides an articulate and insightful synthesis of this journey, bridging the gap from Darwin’s theory of evolution and Einstein’s theory of relativity to contemporary insights into the origins of life, consciousness, and the universe.

Through clear explanations and thought-provoking discussions, The Big Picture illuminates how the same scientific principles that govern the cosmos also underpin the day-to-day aspects of our human experience. Carroll’s eloquent narrative reveals that while our lives may seem infinitesimal compared to the immensity of the universe, they can be redeemed and infused with meaning through our capacity to understand and interpret this vast expanse.

This ultimate guide through the ongoing scientific revolution not only demystifies complex concepts but also addresses the poignant questions of life, death, and our place in the cosmos. Carroll's quest to explain everything is a testament to our human spirit, demonstrating how our intellectual pursuits can reconcile the grandeur of the universe with the subtleties of our human condition.

Whether you are a science enthusiast or a curious reader pondering the profound questions of existence, The Big Picture offers a compelling and enriching perspective. It encourages us to marvel at the universe while finding significance in understanding its intricacies and recognising our role within it.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Big Picture by Sean Carroll has garnered praise for its synthesis of science and philosophy, comparing it favourably with works like Carl Sagan's Cosmos. Reviewers commend Carroll's ability to cover a wide range of topics, from quantum mechanics to consciousness, with clarity and engaging storytelling. Critics highlight the book's elegance, insight, and Carroll's skill in making complex ideas accessible without relying on jargon, making it a significant contribution to both scientific and philosophical literature.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786071033

Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 May 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Oneworld Publications

Illustration: 50 greyscale diagrams/illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 480

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About the Author

Sean Carroll is a theoretical physicist at the California Institute of Technology. In the addition to the Royal Society Winton Prize, he has been awarded prizes and fellowships from the National Science Foundation, NASA, the American Physical Society and the American Institute of Physics. He lives in Los Angeles.

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