What We Cannot Know
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What We Cannot Know
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Narrated by:
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Marcus du Sautoy
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By:
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Marcus du Sautoy
About this listen
Britain’s most famous mathematician takes us to the edge of knowledge to show us what we cannot know.
Is the universe infinite?
Do we know what happened before the Big Bang?
Where is human consciousness located in the brain?
And are there more undiscovered particles out there, beyond the Higgs boson?
In the modern world, science is king: weekly headlines proclaim the latest scientific breakthroughs and numerous mathematical problems, once indecipherable, have now been solved. But are there limits to what we can discover about our physical universe?
In this very personal journey to the edges of knowledge, Marcus du Sautoy investigates how leading experts in fields from quantum physics and cosmology, to sensory perception and neuroscience, have articulated the current lie of the land. In doing so, he travels to the very boundaries of understanding, questioning contradictory stories and consulting cutting edge data.
Is it possible that we will one day know everything? Or are there fields of research that will always lie beyond the bounds of human comprehension? And if so, how do we cope with living in a universe where there are things that will forever transcend our understanding?
In What We Cannot Know, Marcus du Sautoy leads us on a thought-provoking expedition to the furthest reaches of modern science. Prepare to be taken to the edge of knowledge to find out if there’s anything we truly cannot know.
©2016 Marcus du Sautoy (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers LimitedListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
‘Brilliant and fascinating. No one is better at making the recondite accessible and exciting’ Bill Bryson
‘I felt I was being carried off on a wonderful journey, a thrilling research expedition to the teasing and mysterious boundaries of scientific knowledge, and I never wanted to turn back. Du Sautoy is a masterful and friendly guide to these remotest regions … It is absolutely fascinating throughout, and I really loved it’ Richard Holmes
‘I admire and envy the clarity and authority with which Marcus du Sautoy addresses a range of profound issues. His book deserves a wide readership’ Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal
What listeners say about What We Cannot Know
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Pete
- 01-02-23
Great angle on the history of science
I’ve often struggled with popular science books, but Marcus du Sautoy knows how to write a page turner!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Erik
- 26-08-18
Great book. Wonderfully told.
Worth much more than the 7 pounds payed at Amazon. Very enjoyable book about physics, mathematics and cognitive science/brain science. I know quite a bit about the current state of affairs in physics, but i always enjoy a good book about this subject even if it overlaps what i know. Greatly narrated by the author and after listening to this book, you have shot up in my all time favorites, really one of the best. (for sake of clarity, no insult meant, my all time favorite physics book is "fearfull symmetry"). But Marcus du Sautoy, i didn't know you before, but i will read everything there is to read about you now. Thanks for this great book.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- John Lamerton
- 10-05-19
Interesting
Interesting summary of a wide range of topics but got a bit repetitive in places
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jerry Cornelius
- 30-06-16
Well I don't know!
Any additional comments?
Marcus du Sautoy is an enthusiastic and engaging reader. As its his book he should be. The subjects are interesting and varied and all in all it is a book that makes you think. I'd like to sit in a pub and talk over this book with Mr du Sautoy. I reckon that would make a great evening.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- BEHNAZ
- 17-03-18
such an interesting storytelling of science
it's an amazing book highly recommend it. it's smoothly with amazing storytelling way goes through all the scientific challenges, in way that u think u know
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Matthew Wood
- 07-06-20
Fascinating is an understatement
Undoubtedly worth a purchase. Using maths as a framework this books probes in to most of the recurrent 'big' questions humanity has. Very interesting. Very accessible. Very well narrated.
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- Roberto
- 13-07-16
Maths student here
Loved it, I would recommend this to all science lovers and thinkers :)
Definitely tickled my brain.
Wonderfully written and read!
Well done and keep doing more!!
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Neil Taylor
- 15-01-20
Great for science fans
Fantastic overview of the history of physics from ancient greeks to renaissance and newton in particular and then focusing on the less clearly understood worlds of relativity and quantum mechanics
Then covers consciousness and a tiny bit of maths
Really enjoyed listening to the audiobook while pushing for the burn in the gym
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- Kindle Customer
- 08-08-18
Intriguing mix of maths, philosophy and science.
Marcus has an engaging style with plenty of humour as he tackles the great mysteries with rational analysis.
Every chapter left me pondering for a good while afterwards.
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- Ipswich England
- 18-05-16
Fantastic !
Sheer enjoyment listening to Prof du Sautoy's audiobook. I have read every mainstream book he has written but being able to listen to his wonderful and expressive voice takes it to another level. This is a masterpiece which will have many many relistens .
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9 people found this helpful