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  • Origin Story

  • A Big History of Everything
  • By: David Christian
  • Narrated by: Jamie Jackson
  • Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (89 ratings)

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Origin Story cover art

Origin Story

By: David Christian
Narrated by: Jamie Jackson
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$16.45/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

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Publisher's Summary

A captivating history of the universe - from before the dawn of time through the far reaches of the distant future. 

Most historians study the smallest slivers of time, emphasizing specific dates, individuals, and documents. But what would it look like to study the whole of history, from the big bang through the present day - and even into the remote future? How would looking at the full span of time change the way we perceive the universe, the earth, and our very existence? 

These were the questions David Christian set out to answer when he created the field of "Big History", the most exciting new approach to understanding where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. In Origin Story, Christian takes readers on a wild ride through the entire 13.8 billion years we've come to know as "history". By focusing on defining events (thresholds), major trends, and profound questions about our origins, Christian exposes the hidden threads that tie everything together - from the creation of the planet to the advent of agriculture, nuclear war, and beyond. With stunning insights into the origin of the universe, the beginning of life, the emergence of humans, and what the future might bring, Origin Story boldly reframes our place in the cosmos.

©2018 David Christian (P)2018 Recorded Books
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about Origin Story

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Both enjoyable and informative

Having read Sapiens I wondered whether I needed this. I thought it might be a bit repetitive. But this is a much vaster story. Beautifully written and read. I recommend you buy the book at the same time.

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2 people found this helpful

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Absolutely crucial reading

How I wish this book could be adapted to become a core text in secondary schools so that young people could develop a fascination with our evolutionary origins and make sense of their own place in our extraordinary universe. The work is an absorbing new story of humanity that places us in the context of the ecosphere avoiding speciesist generalisations. I love the way the author talks of human intelligence to refer to the special linguistic gift of humankind whilst fully acknowledging animal intelligence and the complex wonder of organisms. Really enjoyed the narration too....

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

A brilliant analysis of how energy shapes our world and our universe. And clearly narrated.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • C M
  • 03-11-2018

Awesome

Comprehensive, looks for patterns and similarities, draws analogies, big picture thinking. Audiobook voice is also good.

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3 people found this helpful

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Good story; Very origin.

Even though we're all in a simulation, everything in this book is still very real for us.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant birds eye perspective on existence

Brilliant birds eye perspective on existence. The author does a remarkable job at covering a vast period of time in a way that keeps the reader engaged.

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3 people found this helpful

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  • Ian
  • 02-10-2020

A superb book

I have read several Big History type books and never seem to tire of them. In this book David Christian casts a fresh perspective that is informative, easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyable. In particular the final chapter is a poignant and thought provoking challenge to all of us that I reread several times. This is a terrific book, very well narrated. I recommend it highly.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Didn’t understand all of it but still enjoyable

Could do with taking a few minutes to explain the science around things (for us non science buffs) eg protons, electrons. Otherwise still enjoyable.

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1 person found this helpful

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