NONFICTION

When Einstein Walked with Gödel: Excursions to the Edge of Thought

by Jim Holt
Farrar. May 2018. 384p. index. ISBN 9780374146702. $28; ebk. ISBN 9780374717841. PHIL
COPY ISBN
Philosopher and New York Times writer Holt (Why Does the World Exist??) takes a collection of profound ideas, from theories on the infinite to how the universe will end, and presents them in a creative and thought-provoking way. He writes that the goal of the book "is to enlighten the newcomer while providing a novel twist that will please the expert." The wide range of topics includes ethics, epistemology, logic, and physics, along with Holt's insight into some of the great thinkers' personal traits and oddities. For example, the mathematician Kurt Gödel thought there was a conspiracy to poison him, which, in turn, led to his death from starvation. This combination makes each chapter distinct, and each could be read on its own.
VERDICT Holt's latest is as stimulating as his previous work; he has a talent for explaining complex ideas in a concise yet accessible way. Recommended for readers with an interest in the history of ideas, philosophy, mathematics, and science. [See Prepub Alert, 11/12/17.]
Reviewed by Scott Duimstra, Capital Area Dist. Lib., Lansing, MI , Jul 01, 2018
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

The Last Shot: City Streets, Basketball Dreams
by Frey, Darcy
NONFICTION

The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture
by Lemmey, Karen & others
NONFICTION

A Guide to Medical Cannabis: Your Roadmap to Understanding and Using Cannabis and CBD for Health
by Hasse, Javier & Nicolás Jose Rodriguez
NONFICTION

One Thousand Vines: A New Way To Understand Wine
by Lepeltier, Pascaline
NONFICTION

The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2024
by McKibben, Bill & Jaime Green
NONFICTION

Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan
by Halteman, Matthew C.
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?