Play Book Tag discussion
This topic is about
When We Cease to Understand the World
January 2022: Science
>
When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut - 4+ stars
date
newest »
newest »
I really liked this. I wasn't sure at the beginning, but I really got into it. I just wish I knew which parts were true and which weren't. Some of the fictionalized sections are obvious (conversations and highly personal activities), but I like to have confidence in what I learn. The discovery of how to get nitrogen out of the air was really interesting. On the one hand, it enabled fewer farmers to feed more people all over the world. On the other hand, his discoveries also led to real horrors, and could eventually help to destroy the world as we know it.
Nancy, I did some research after reading it to find out that all the science portions (everything attributed to a scientist and his discoveries) are true. The parts that are fictionalized are the thought processes that took place in the minds of these scientists - what happens to the mind and sometimes the body - when a person reaches the limits of comprehension.
The last portion of the book is fiction, where the gardener (a former scientist) is living in Chile. Interestingly enough, the author currently lives in Chile. I wonder how much of this is based on his own life and thoughts?
Joy D wrote: "Nancy, I did some research after reading it to find out that all the science portions (everything attributed to a scientist and his discoveries) are true. The parts that are fictionalized are the..."
Interesting. Did you get confirmation about the man who quit science completely and became sort of a hippy? The book didn't say this, but I got the feeling hallucinogens were involved. (According to Michael Pollan a lot of research scientists use them from time to time now.)
It makes sense that his own science education, experience or conscience had something to do with his interest in this topic.
I do not recall seeing anything about hallucinogens. I believe that scientist (I assume you are referring to Groethendieck) was mentally ill.
I am so glad to see both you and Nancy enjoyed this book as much as I did. Your review makes me want to pick it back up. There aren't many books I feel would withstand a re-read, but this is definitely one of them.
Yes, I can see re-reading this book. I am sure I missed a few things the first time through. I agree with your review, Anita. If people are not already familiar with quantum mechanics, it could be a bit difficult to follow in places.
“The mind cannot come to grips with its paradoxes and contradictions.”
This book is a mix of non-fiction and fiction. It starts off mostly non-fiction and gradually adds more fiction as it goes along. It is a mind-blowing analysis of several primary concepts in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, including a large section on quantum theory. It features scientists of the 20th century, such as Karl Schwarzschild, Fritz Haber, Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, and Alexander Grothendieck. It delves inside their theories and their minds, portraying the effects of attempting to grasp and explain such complex concepts.
One of the most interesting sections is the rivalry between Heisenberg and Schrödinger, each having come up with a different approach to quantum mechanics. There are tie-ins with art and the real-world impact of scientific discoveries, both positive and negative, and how they may be used for both good and evil. It explores both genius and mental instability. I found it fascinating and noted plenty of topics for further reading.
“It was mathematics, not nuclear weapons, computers, biological warfare, or our climate Armageddon, which was changing our world to the point where, in a couple decades, at most, we would simply not be able to grasp what being human really meant.”