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)

A great first pick for non-fiction

What did you love best about A Universe from Nothing?

Karuss has an infections curiosity when it comes to the Cosmos. Like anyone with a sincere interest in a subject even if you can't always follow what they're talking about it's an enjoyable listen.

Great book if cosmology interests you

Lawrence Krauss is very passionate about what he does, and it's told in his storytelling here. I enjoyed this book.

Not very accessible for non scientists

Important topic. But written is a confusing, and overly academic way. Not in an acceptable way.

Reach Exceeds Grasp (Not Surprisingly)

The first 2/3 of this already short book are given to an overview of more or less recent developments in physics and cosmology, in preparation for the final 1/3, where at last the subject of the book's title is addressed. When the main arguments of the book do arrive, they turn out to be based on somewhat preliminary and speculative physics- very interesting, but nowhere near satisfying or convincing as an explanation of 'how something could arise from nothing.' Also, the author promises to show how the universe(s) could come into existence without 'preexisting' physical laws- his nothing plus ultra- but fails to actually do so. Honestly I would have been quite surprised and impressed if he had; but it illustrates the most frustrating aspect of the book, which is that it purports to sketch out a framework to obviate all manner of prime mover / first cause arguments, but fails pretty resoundingly to do so.

Still, thought provoking and worth reading. Author reads pretty well- sounds like Andersen Cooper!

A profound scientific work written for the public

Would you listen to A Universe from Nothing again? Why?

This is a book you can listen to, or read, as many times as you want. It sums up the current standing of science, and cosmology in particular, written for non scientifically versed readers. It has a lot to say, all presented in an easy to understand language and an awesome sense of humour. Professor Krauss is known to make his audience burst out in laughter, he is also known to make them thing very deeply and seriously about how our universe works.

Traverse 13 .72 billion years in five hours. Wow!

Krauss does an amazing job of making something out of nothing. He describes the beginning the middle and the end and the possible beginning again. A wonderfully thought provoking book.

Great, but dense. Something from something.

A wonderful book. The science throughout can be heavy and a little difficult to follow. Krauss pulls no punches. I'd definitely recommend it, with the caveat that being at least mildly scientifically literate is probably a prerequisite for taking anything important away from reading. I think it's one of those books worth having for its own sake, like Dawkins' "God Delusion."

Very High Level

This was a very high level view with much physics involved. It was great to have such an intelligent perspective, and open myself up to some new theories and vocabulary. However, alot of it was over my head. With a M.S. in Data Analytics, I'm no dummy. I only modestly tell you that to have a point of reference for this review.

so brilliant that my head now hurts.

Lawrence Krauss is an overall incredible man who once again proves it with this book. it should be required reading in schools.

This will make you question your own perceptions.

A good overview of the status of the intersection between neuroscience and our own understanding of what it is that makes us human.