Beyond Infinity

An Expedition to the Outer Limits of Mathematics

De: Eugenia Cheng

Narrado por: Moira Quirk

How one powerful concept reveals the biggest (and smallest) mathematical truths

How big is the universe? How many numbers are there? And is infinity + 1 is the same as 1 + infinity? Such questions occur to young children and our greatest minds. And they are all the same question: What is infinity? In Beyond Infinity, Eugenia Cheng takes us on a staggering journey from elemental math to its loftiest abstractions. Along the way, she considers how to use a chessboard to plan a worldwide dinner party, how to make a chicken-sandwich sandwich, and how to create infinite cookies from a finite ball of dough. Beyond Infinity shows how one little symbol holds the biggest idea of all.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Ms. Cheng's chatty tone keeps things fresh. She has a knack for folksy analogies, and at different points in the book she illuminates different properties of infinity by discussing Legos, the iPod Shuffle, snorkeling, Battenberg cakes and Winnie-the-Pooh... she does a great service by showing us non-mathematician schlubs how real mathematical creativity works." --Wall Street Journal

"Our minds cannot truly grasp the concept of infinity, but Eugenia Cheng takes us on a wild journey to help us in our search for it. It's a small, unassuming symbol, but it holds a giant idea. Cheng helps us understand the basics of infinity and then takes us on a ride to see its most lofty applications. From the practical to the entirely theoretical, this is a book to watch for." --Paste Magazine

"The idea of infinity is one of the most perplexing things in mathematics, and the most fun. Eugenia Cheng's Beyond Infinity is a spirited and friendly guide--appealingly down to earth about math that's extremely far out."—Jordan Ellenberg, author of Shape

"Beyond Infinity is witty, charming, and crystal clear. Eugenia Cheng's enthusiasm and carefully chosen metaphors and analogies carry us effortlessly through the mathematical landscape of the infinite. A brilliant book!"—Ian Stewart, author of What's the Use?

PRAISE FOR EUGENIA CHENG

"[Cheng] conveys the spirit of inventiveness and creativity in math... Refreshing is the word that keeps coming to mind."—Steven Strogatz, as quoted in the New York Times

"Dr. Cheng...has a knack for brushing aside conventions and edicts, like so many pie crumbs from a cutting board."—Natalie Angier, New York Times

"[Eugenia Cheng's] tone is clear, clever and friendly. Even at her most whimsical she is rigorous and insightful... [She is] a lucid and nimble expositor."—Alex Bellos, New York Times Book Review

Amazing

Amazing ^ omega

Fun and informative. The author explains complex things in approachable and engaging ways. She finds the balance between in depth explanation and straightforward writing.

Sad to get to the end

A really pleasant, thought provoking book. And such a pleasant narrator. (Only minor thing is there are figures in the physical book that would be nice reference in some way while listening.)

Beyond Infinity

Eugenia Cheng is becoming one of my favorite authors. I first learned of Eugenia when I came across her other book, "How to Bake Pi". This book and "How to Bake Pi" are truly for those who enjoy maths.

Now I Know Why I Like Certain House Designs

Very entertaining and educational from a touching and personal perspective. Thank you for this gem!

Brilliant 🤩

Eugenia Cheng's "Beyond Infinity" is a captivating journey into the realm of mathematics, where infinity reigns supreme. With her characteristic clarity and wit, Cheng demystifies this often-intimidating concept, making it accessible to readers of all levels.
What sets this book apart is Cheng's remarkable ability to weave together complex mathematical ideas with relatable analogies and engaging anecdotes. She masterfully uses metaphors, like imagining infinite cake slices, to illustrate the counterintuitive nature of infinity. This approach not only simplifies the complex but also sparks genuine curiosity and wonder.

Cheng's enthusiasm for mathematics is infectious. She invites readers to actively participate in the exploration of infinity, encouraging them to question, ponder, and even play with mathematical concepts. This interactive approach transforms what could be a dry subject into an exciting adventure.

"Beyond Infinity" is more than just a math book; it's an exploration of the human mind's capacity to grasp the boundless. Cheng elegantly connects mathematical concepts to philosophical musings on the nature of reality and our place within it.

Whether you're a math enthusiast or simply curious about the mysteries of infinity, "Beyond Infinity" is a delightful and enriching read. It's a testament to the power of clear communication and the beauty that lies within mathematics.
If you love math and/or have a deep curiosity about infinity, this book is for you. The author is an excellent story teller and brings infinity to life. I highly recommend.

good math too many personal stories

I think the first few chapters are the best because she talks a lot about how to solve thought problems dealing with infinity, but then as the book progress she likes to intertwine personal stories to help us relate but it's a serious distraction from the math that I came for.

Overflowing With Needless Examples & Anecdotes

What did you like best about Beyond Infinity? What did you like least?

I liked the discussion of the development of calculus best. I deplored the author wasting my time by reciting all 375 digits in 200!, including the 49 zeros at the end. I also tired of the numerous needless examples to what small children think or do. The author often recited at least five elements of a sequence when three would have been sufficient. At least 90 minutes of this recording is needless fluff.

What other book might you compare Beyond Infinity to and why?

Is God A Mathematician by Livio due to its historical discussion of the development of mathematics.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Moira Quirk?

No.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Only if it were no more than two hours in length.

Any additional comments?

It is truly a shame that an author with such an insightful understanding of infinity found it necessary to swell the contents of her book with so much superfluous information.

what's fun to investigate Infinity this way

this author is so much fun. I enjoyed this book almost as much as her other book about category Theory

Maybe for children, but not for me

Beyond Infinity features a lot of stories about the author, and several analogies regarding young children, but not a lot about infinity or mathematics.
The narration, while perky in the extreme, isn't so bad, but it's more appropriate for a young children's book. Actually, maybe that's exactly what this is—a book for young children.
The book is charming, but it's the mathematical ideas that I want access to, and this book is so cutesy that I'm going to return it.