
What is time? What is space?
2004
First Published
3.88
Average Rating
80
Number of Pages
“A novel image of the world is taking shape in fundamental physics: a world without time and without space. Time and space as we know them will disappear from the scientific picture of the world, in the same way in which the centre of the universe did”. In this agile text, derived from a long interview, Carlo Rovelli, theoretical physicist and pioneer of modern quantum gravity, describes his personal and intellectual journey, starting from the rebellion of his young years and the discovery of the “enchanting adventure” of theoretical research, till the vertiginous hypotheses of today’s physics. In a simple language, Rovelli introduces us to a “space” made of grains, a “time” which is the result of our ignorance, to hot black holes and how to think about the beginning of the universe. But he also discusses the value, the risks, and the fascination of this quest. Science, for Rovelli, is a continuous exploration of new ways of thinking the world, the desire of looking “beyond the hill” and seeing the world always with new eyes, the choice of never giving up dreams.
Avg Rating
3.88
Number of Ratings
334
5 STARS
31%
4 STARS
37%
3 STARS
22%
2 STARS
9%
1 STARS
1%
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Author

Carlo Rovelli
Author · 13 books
Carlo Rovelli is an Italian theoretical physicist and writer who has worked in Italy and the USA, and currently works in France. His work is mainly in the field of quantum gravity, where he is among the founders of the loop quantum gravity theory. He has also worked in the history and philosophy of science. He collaborates regularly with several Italian newspapers, in particular the cultural supplements of Il Sole 24 Ore and La Repubblica.