July 5th, 2021
I’m obsessed with Brian Greene (but don’t tell him, play it cool). He’s a physicist who writes and talks about science in the best way: for everyone.
He’s been on my radar for years, but I’ve only really been getting into his work over the past few. And not just his own, but also the things he recommends (like The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James, which became immediately influential for me).
I just finished his newest book, Until The End of Time, and I have to say: if you’re going to read any of them, this is the one. Because, like Stefan would rave, this one has it all: the beginning of time, the end of time, all the stuff that happens in-between.
Honestly, it’s a lot. And to continue being truthful, all of it is essential. It starts with particles and ends with them, covering evolution and entropy, the rise of human beings (and with people, particular practices like language, religion and creativity), and the universe at infinitely large.
Brian’s work and words give me so much perspective. The biggest thing he so elegantly and regularly reminds me is that life is short. Not just for you or me subjectively. No, our existence isn’t even half a blink of an eye in the history of the universe.
That means our bright flash of existence is precious, ephemeral, and powerful. And it causes me to look more closely at my time, really think about what’s important, and do with it what no other person will.
You have the one life. No more, no less. And no moment in it will ever be replayed or happen again, at least not in the exact same way.
From one bag of particles to another: I highly recommend this book, and Brian’s work in general. It stimulates every sense and it engages every aspect of our being.
The Den 