The Joy of Science

By: Jim Al-Khalili

Narrated by: Jim Al-Khalili

Length: 3 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

This audiobook narrated by acclaimed quantum physicist Jim Al-Khalili reveals how 8 lessons from the heart of science can help you get the most out of life

Today’s world is unpredictable and full of contradictions, and navigating its complexities while trying to make the best decisions is far from easy. The Joy of Science presents 8 short lessons on how to unlock the clarity, empowerment, and joy of thinking and living a little more scientifically.

In this brief guide to leading a more rational life, acclaimed physicist Jim Al-Khalili invites listeners to engage with the world as scientists have been trained to do. The scientific method has served humankind well in its quest to see things as they really are, and underpinning the scientific method are core principles that can help us all navigate modern life more confidently. Discussing the nature of truth and uncertainty, the role of doubt, the pros and cons of simplification, the value of guarding against bias, the importance of evidence-based thinking, and more, Al-Khalili shows how the powerful ideas at the heart of the scientific method are deeply relevant to the complicated times we live in and the difficult choices we make.

Listen to this book and discover the joy of science. It will empower you to think more objectively, see through the fog of your own preexisting beliefs, and lead a more fulfilling life.

©2022 Jim Al-Khalili (P)2022 Princeton University Press

Critic reviews

“In the age of post-truth politics, when misinformation and conspiracy theories flood social media and endanger lives, Al-Khalili’s book is a patient, gentle, and humane corrective. The Joy of Science is a call for a more rational and discerning attitude to what we experience in our lives, guided by respect for expertise and critical judgement but also by compassion.” (Philip Ball, author of Beyond Weird and Curiosity)

“Al-Khalili’s timely and inspirational writing allows us all to experience a touch of the ‘joy’ of science.” (Helen Pearson, Chief Magazine Editor of Nature)

“This pithy and insightful book provides readers with a collection of fun and timely ideas in an accessible way.” (Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden)

An inspired read.

As someone not involved in the scientific world but interested, this book was a great entry point. I have watched several of the authors documentaries and and videos via YouTube and found his approach to relaying large and intimidating concepts in everyday language with relatable explanations and examples very refreshing. Science in general and the Scientific Method laid out in such a way has made the subject way more approachable and accessible. I highly recommend this book.

Extremely Vanilla

While I agree with the book’s message, the book is preachy and paternalistic without being specific and actionable where it matters. It doesn’t give tactical guidance on how to better integrate the scientific method into your daily life. Nor does it give the scientific community new weapons to protect the world from irrationalism. It’s just kind of…meh. Caters to people who already agree with what it’s calling for without giving them anything they don’t know.

Not what I thought

Where’s the science? Simplistic and not very interesting take on how to think. Less interesting from a physicist I’m afraid.

unscientific

I loved Jim but this book is absolute trash. the first 8 chapters are a plea for you to use the appeal to authority fallacy, then he started in on Trump derangement. Is this what passes for science? I want an apology for how absolutely wrong the author is for the first 8 chapters before I tapped out.