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)

Respectful Debate

I am a very religious person, and have oft wondered how anyone could be an Atheist, or as the title of this book puts it, believe in something from nothing. I did not realize this was the point of the book when I began reading it. This book, although full of scientific intrigue, is more of a philosophical one full of scientific backing to support an Atheistic theology.

The beginning of the book was not as enjoyable to listen to because of this and I thought about quitting it halfway through. I quickly decided to see it to the end though realizing this person has every right to preach to me as I have undoubtedly felt a right, even an obligation to preach to others about my own convictions regarding the creation of the cosmos.

With this renewed approach, I finished and thoroughly enjoyed the authors explanation of his atheistic ideology on the basis of the science that he deals with on the daily. Although not convincing in any way to shed any doubt on the faith I hold in a Creator, it did help me understand the point of view of the other side of the coin. It proved a healthy and respectful debate that religious folks and non-religious folks can and should be having.

Don't Read the Book Expecting Actual Answers

I've seen the author on YouTube videos of the panels he was on - usually slouching low in the chair with a grin on his face...

So the author, after taking us through a lot of good relevant science, makes the 'best guess' one can according to current scientific theory, though the 'answers' are still speculative and nebulous (which is why he did not spend too much time actually 'answering').

It is a good book on the current state of the relevant sciences.

Beautifully put

This book very simply and elegantly describes our current understanding of the universe.

There is a lot of theory involved, but it's sheds some light on some highly abstract concepts.

For people who love cosmology and are interested in out place in the universe would love this book.

Great book

Momentous piece of work. Gives one a better appreciation of how far we’ve come in the last 120 years. And Krause is a fan of Hitchens and Fineman! A word of caution: unless YOU are a theoretical physicist, buy the hard copy and read it several times before trying to seriously discuss it.

Makes you think!

I mostly read or listen to sci-fi/fantasy and leave getting my cosmology, quantum theory, and particle physics to the nice, digestible shows produced by Discovery, the History channel, and the like. I also really try not to use credits on something this short (less than 6 hours!)...but I'm glad I made an exception for this one. I'll admit I had to listen to the book twice (but enjoyed it both times), and that there are still some things this guy says that...I'll probably never comprehend, but wow...this book is interesting. The author also does the narration, which was actually good in this case - he's got this...sort of...animated, smart-alecky attitude combined with true passion and excitement for his work. I also like his attention to detail (or I should say attention to the right details - trying to cram all the details that went into this work would make a book like this completely inaccessible to someone like me) and his overall...take on science - that scientists don't know everything and how they should spend as much time trying to disprove their results as they do trying to prove them, etc.

Anyway - the book kind of brings you up to speed on where these guys are on figuring out...the universe, and presents some really interesting ideas on where everything came from (spoiler alert: it's in the title :P - but it's not that simple, trust me). If you're at all interested in the subject - get this book. Oh, and one final thing - Krauss doesn't say there isn't a god - just that there doesn't HAVE to be one - but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to be able superimpose god over what's being presented here either [translated: if you believe in god, this isn't going to change your opinion]

an overview of nothing

What made the experience of listening to A Universe from Nothing the most enjoyable?

In order to follow the narrator, you will need to be concentrated, the concepts presented in the book are simple only in appearance. I enjoyed the book and added to other books on the subject you can find on audible I believe I had a good introduction to the matter.

What about Lawrence M. Krauss and Simon Vance ’s performance did you like?

in some parts, the narration was a bit fast for me, but this of course is very personal and happened only a view times in the entire book.

Fascinating!

What did you love best about A Universe from Nothing?

An advanced level of physics in a fairly easy to follow presentation.

What did you like best about this story?

It is interesting to consider that something is a more stable state than nothing.

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

No

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

No

Interesting Read

What did you love best about A Universe from Nothing?

I really liked the way this book brought together all of the relevant theories of physics to explain how our universe was created. It was technical in parts, but overall was simple enough to understand.

It was exhausting though, to hear the author's constant trumpeting of his accomplishments and predicitions. His rantings against religion also became tiresome. While sympathetic to his point, I felt this issue was addressed SO MANY times throughout the book, it almost became its main point.

OWWWW!

This book made brain hurt more bad!!

This is a very interesting book, I've listened to it twice and got so much more out of it the second time but I know that there's just a bucket load that I still missed. Someday soon I'll give it a third listen.

Amazed

I am truly impressed and amazed at Mr. Krauss's book! His thorough explenations are refreshing to say the least.