by Brian Greene
First published 2020
Brian Greene examines the universe's complete timeline, from its birth in the big bang to its ultimate demise. The renowned physicist and World Science Festival co-founder argues that despite the universe's relentless march toward chaos, extraordinary structures have emerged along the way. Planets, stars, and galaxies formed islands of order in cosmic disorder. Biochemical processes sparked life through mutation and natural selection. Neurons developed into consciousness, which created human cultures, myths, and art. Greene explains how these nested developments connect to reveal our origins, present circumstances, and future trajectory. He also confronts the sobering reality that deep time will eventually threaten matter itself. Through interconnected narratives, Greene delivers a fresh perspective on humanity's cosmic context and what defines our existence.
Genres: science, non-fiction, biography-memoir, astronomy, physics, academic
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic
428 pages · Hardcover · Knopf