A Universe from Nothing

Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing

By: Lawrence M. Krauss

Narrated by: Lawrence M. Krauss, Simon Vance

Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Where did the universe come from? What was there before it? What will the future bring? And finally, why is there something rather than nothing?

Krauss’ answers to these and other timeless questions, in a wildly popular lecture on YouTube, has attracted almost a million viewers. The last of these questions in particular has been at the center of religious and philosophical debates about the existence of God, and it’s the supposed counterargument to anyone who questions the need for God. Scientists have, however, historically focused on more pressing issues—such as figuring out how the universe actually functions, which could help us to improve our quality of life.

In this cosmological story that rivets as it enlightens, pioneering theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss explains groundbreaking scientific advances that turn the most basic philosophical questions on their head. One of the few prominent scientists to have actively crossed the chasm between science and popular culture, Krauss reveals that modern science is indeed addressing the question of why there is something rather than nothing—with surprising and fascinating results. The beautiful experimental observations and mind-bending theories are all described accessibly, and they suggest that not only can something arise from nothing, something will always arise from nothing.

With his characteristic wry humor and clear explanations, Krauss takes us back to the beginning of the beginning, presenting recent evidence for how our universe evolved—and the implications for how it will end. It will provoke, challenge, and delight listeners as it looks at the most basic underpinnings of existence in a whole new way. And this knowledge that our universe will be quite different in the future has profound consequences and directly affects how we live in the present. As Richard Dawkins described it, this could potentially be the most important scientific book with implications for supernaturalism since Darwin.

©2012 Lawrence M. Krauss (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Nothing is not nothing. Nothing is something. That’s how a cosmos can be spawned from the void—a profound idea conveyed in A Universe from Nothing that unsettles some yet enlightens others. Meanwhile, it’s just another day on the job for physicist Lawrence Krauss.” (Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History)

Bad narrataion

If you've read other books about the early universe, this won't have anything new to give, except terrible narration and constant digs at the percieved lack of intelligence of religious people. I couldn't focus on anything he says because it's all in the same exact tone of voice, without exception. I didn't learn anything, I just got a headache.

Informative and Complex

If you could sum up A Universe from Nothing in three words, what would they be?

Why Something Exists

Who was your favorite character and why?

Any of the women scientists because it's nice to learn more about their contributions.

Which character – as performed by Lawrence M. Krauss and Simon Vance – was your favorite?

N/A

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think when stuff appears out of nowhere and then disappears in less than a Planck length of time was what blew my mind the most.

Any additional comments?

This book is not one I would consider for the layman - or, at least, not the layman who doesn't have a solid foundation in astronomy and/or physics. I knew just enough physics to compliment my relatively informed astronomy to only have trouble following once or twice.

But if you do have some knowledge, you'll find this book interesting.

logical fallacy

The author did an excellent job in his performance of this book. The author wrote in a pleasant and comfortable manner in spite if the technical topic he was discussing. It was very interesting to hear how he desperately tried to prove that God was unnecessary with intense mental gymnastics. Sadly he has attempted to reason away the true answer to his many questions. I truly hope that the author will some day come to find the truth in the one true God.

Krauss is a legend

Best communicator of our time. Higher level than most, but not confusing. Worth multiple listens.

dense, but fascinating

my guess is anyone who says they understand everything in this book is either a phd-level quantum physicist, or lying... still, the parts that are understandable to a lay-person such as myself are fascinating and provide a somewhat-discernable answer to the question inferred by the title - "why is there something, rather than nothing?"

Lawrence is amazing

he provides incredibly complex idea in a way that anyone can understand. amazing book can't wait to start The Best Story Ever Told... so far

Great arguments and solid science ... Not much new

This is a great audio book and I always love when the material is actually read by the author. Dr. Krauss is brilliant and the material contained within is solid science based upon what we currently know about the universe.

If you're relaively new to the subject, I recommend this book. It's not necessarily introductory material but if you have a beginning understaning of modern physics in terms of astrophysics, relativity, and quantum theory, you will enjoy this book and the next steps you take with it. I'd probably recommend reading one of Brian Greene's books first to have a solid foundation.

If you've actually read many of the existing books on modern physics that are out there and seen Dr. Krauss' original presentation on this same subject, then this book adds little to the discussion. It puts it together in a nice package but it won't add much to your overall knowledge on the subject.

Again, I enjoyed listening to this book and would recommend it to friends.

Much more than nothing!

Good read by Prof. Krauss. I must say that in my opinion the reading ended rather abruptly. All in all though a solid B+ for this listen.

one of the best audio books on physics

Would you consider the audio edition of A Universe from Nothing to be better than the print version?

How would I know.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Universe from Nothing?

when it clicked that the philosophical definition of nothing is meaningless and not relevant to science.

Have you listened to any of Lawrence M. Krauss and Simon Vance ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

by far the best

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Seemed too short.

Any additional comments?

adults with imaginary friends are stupid. This book will offend those people. Its an amazing book that presents the information clearly. A brief into into high energy particle physics and QM will help if you're new to this subject. no one book will answer the mysteries of the universe.

Awesome.

What did you love best about A Universe from Nothing?

Learned some things I didn't know and learned some things I didn't know and learned some things I didn't know.