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  • Our Mathematical Universe

  • My Quest for the Ultimate Nature of Reality
  • By: Max Tegmark
  • Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
  • Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (159 ratings)

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Our Mathematical Universe

By: Max Tegmark
Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
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Publisher's Summary

Max Tegmark leads us on an astonishing journey through past, present and future, and through the physics, astronomy, and mathematics that are the foundation of his work, most particularly his hypothesis that our physical reality is a mathematical structure and his theory of the ultimate multiverse. In a dazzling combination of both popular and groundbreaking science, he not only helps us grasp his often mind-boggling theories, but he also shares with us some of the often surprising triumphs and disappointments that have shaped his life as a scientist. Fascinating from first to last - this is a book that has already prompted the attention and admiration of some of the most prominent scientists and mathematicians. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2014 Max Tegmark (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

“Tegmark offers a fascinating exploration of multiverse theories, each one offering new ways to explain ‘quantum weirdness’ and other mysteries that have plagued physicists, culminating in the idea that our physical world is ‘a giant mathematical object’ shaped by geometry and symmetry. Tegmark’s writing is lucid, enthusiastic, and outright entertaining, a thoroughly accessible discussion leavened with anecdotes and the pure joy of a scientist at work.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Lively and lucid, the narrative invites general readers into debates over computer models for brain function, over scientific explanations of consciousness, and over prospects for finding advanced life in other galaxies. Though he reflects soberly on the perils of nuclear war and of hostile artificial intelligence, Tegmark concludes with a bracingly upbeat call for scientifically minded activists who recognize a rare opportunity to make our special planet a force for cosmic progress. An exhilarating adventure for bold readers.” (Bryce Cristensen, Booklist, starred review)

“Our Mathematical Universe boldly confronts one of the deepest questions at the fertile interface of physics and philosophy: why is mathematics so spectacularly successful at describing the cosmos? Through lively writing and wonderfully accessible explanations, Max Tegmark—one of the world’s leading theoretical physicists—guides the reader to a possible answer, and reveals how, if it’s right, our understanding of reality itself would be radically altered.” (Brian Greene, physicist, author of The Elegant Universe and The Hidden Reality)  

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

really good

this book is pretty serious, I zoned out for a lot of the level 4 multi verse stuff. the book is really well written and the narrator is absolutely amazing, by far the best narrator on audible I've listen to so far

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Too Hard for Me

I was never a mathematician but I've always had an interest in the big questions so I thought I'd give this a go. And I did for about 10 hours. I wasn't worried when I couldn't understand a lot of the finer points because I could follow the thread of the story and enjoyed it. But in the end it just became too much for me and I stopped. That shouldn't put anybody off if you're interested, give it a listen and see how you go but it just became too abstract for me.
The narration is exceptional and the examples to explain some of the principles are very good. Kudos to Max for making this topic even approachable for someone like me and in the end I might go back to it to see how the story ends, but perhaps not.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Really exciting implications from other theories

Either we accept these seemingly absurd predictions or we discard useful theories like inflation. The seemingly absurd is however quite exciting and the book is enthralling to listen to. Well crafted thought experiments and well worded sentences put to audio with a calm, collected and engaging narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great book tnx Max.

starting my 2nd listining through now. trying to get my head around the stimulation story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

loved it

Good to know about universe with a different perspective. Raised the curiosity to next level.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting but looses it's way at the end

Good basic history of physic beginning and some interesting parallel universe ideas but then wanders off and attempts a philosophical discussion on essentially unrelated matters. Spoiled the book a little but still some interesting ideas well presented

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Narrator

Best narrator for nonfiction science I have ever heard.
Really great content as well from Tegmark.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

mind expanding

narration is hypnotic, highlighting difficult concepts with apparent ease.
thanks max! MUH for the win :)

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thought provoking

Great audiobook. Fascinating ideas and great style of writing. Loses a bit in the end but 95% (or 59% in the level 2 multiverse), is interesting and thought provoking. Highly recommended

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Mind blowing!

The content is complex obviously because of the subject but really mind blowing! Performance is superb.

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