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)

Eye opener

Any additional comments?

I wish I understood more of the physics behind the theories but that not withstanding, this book certainly makes you step back and wonder at the complexities of the universe. It certaily is thought provoking on many levels...

Good but limited

actually good presentation but really a form more of pantheism than straight physics. but despite lack of scope it presents a nice overview of physics.

Incredible

A wonderful look into the deepest structures of our universe, to which Dr. Krauss then expands upon these irrevocable facts to skew just how we get what we have today from what was ultimately the nothing of before...

Excellent.

It was a stellar book and very informative on possible explanations and why we do not need a god to explain everything.

Interesting listen

Where does A Universe from Nothing rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

Among this genre, it is an interesting book but it becomes technical at various points making it somewhat difficult to follow while listening. The listener needs to be focused and avoid distractions. There is much to be missed if the listener isn't paying attention at all times.

Nothing?

I find something to pounder about nothing. I conclude it is an impossible term for discription. It is a social term only and it means I don't care to explain. The universe is not without purpose, if it were it would not be. It has a beginning therefore it was created and we tiny residents wonder about that. Those of us who admit to the existence of the Creator, have equally small brains so we wonder about that.
The Creator is someplace we cannot presently understand we are here and we don't understand that either.

thought provoking,

mind boggling good. I can't get my head around the scales explained about the world. Something from nothing? not for long!

I'm not sure what he said but he said it very well

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was left feeling like I will need to hear it again to grasp it more fully. I have deeper wonder for the mystery of existence.

What does Lawrence M. Krauss and Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Krauss has a passion for the process of discovery and research that clearly comes out in his respect for other scientists, even those he disagrees with.

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

He presents the idea that the balance of being and non-being is delicate; similar to the way that conditions for life in the universe are very rare.

wonderfully thought-provoking

A more philosophical extension of a brief history of time (still deeply rooted in science), and read by the author!

Yeah Science!

Great books and audio. got my book sign by the LK and his other books are on my shelf.