Parallel Worlds

A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos

De: Michio Kaku

Narrado por: Marc Vietor

Is our universe dying?

Could there be other universes?

In Parallel Worlds, world-renowned physicist and best-selling author Michio Kaku - an author who "has a knack for bringing the most ethereal ideas down to earth" (Wall Street Journal) - takes listeners on a fascinating tour of cosmology, M-theory, and its implications for the fate of the universe.

In his first book of physics since Hyperspace, Michio Kaku begins by describing the extraordinary advances that have transformed cosmology over the last century and particularly over the last decade, forcing scientists around the world to rethink our understanding of the birth of the universe and its ultimate fate. In Dr. Kaku's eyes, we are living in a golden age of physics, as new discoveries from the WMAP and COBE satellites and the Hubble space telescope have given us unprecedented pictures of our universe in its infancy.

As astronomers wade through the avalanche of data from the WMAP satellite, a new cosmological picture is emerging. So far the leading theory about the birth of the universe is the "inflationary universe theory", a major refinement on the big bang theory. In this theory our universe may be but one in a multiverse, floating like a bubble in an infinite sea of bubble universes, with new universes being created all the time. A parallel universe may well hover a mere millimeter from our own.

The very idea of parallel universes and the string theory that can explain their existence was once viewed with suspicion by scientists, seen as the province of mystics, charlatans, and cranks. But today physicists overwhelmingly support string theory and its latest iteration, M-theory, as it is this one theory that, if proven correct, would reconcile the four forces of the universe simply and elegantly and answer the question "what happened before the big bang?"

Already, Kaku explains, the world's foremost physicists and astronomers are searching for ways to test the theory of the multiverse using highly sophisticated wave detectors, gravity lenses, satellites, and telescopes. The implications of M-theory are fascinating and endless. If parallel worlds do exist, Kaku speculates, in time - perhaps a trillion years or more from now, as appears likely - when our universe grows cold and dark in what scientists describe as a big freeze, advanced civilizations may well find a way to escape our universe in a kind of "interdimensional lifeboat".

An unforgettable journey into black holes and time machines, alternate universes, and multidimensional space, Parallel Worlds gives us a compelling portrait of the revolution sweeping the world of cosmology.

©2006 Michio Kaku (P)2016 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"In Parallel Worlds, Michio Kaku brings his formidable explanatory talents to bear on one of the strangest and most exciting possibilities to have emerged from modern physics: that our universe may be but one among many, perhaps infinitely many, arrayed in a vast cosmic network. With deft use of analogy and humor, Kaku patiently introduces the reader to variations on this theme of parallel universes, coming from quantum mechanics, cosmology, and most recently, M-theory. Read this book for a wonderful tour, with an expert guide, of a cosmos whose comprehension forces us to stretch to the very limits of imagination." (Brian Greene, Professor of Theoretical Particle Physics, Columbia University, and author of The Fabric of the Cosmos and The Elegant Universe)

"Those who might enjoy a tour of cosmology, time travel, string theory, and the universe in 10 or 11 dimensions will find no better guide than Michio Kaku, a rare individual who has undertaken research in these subject areas yet also knows well how to present this intriguing, complex material in an engaging and easily assimilable style." (Donald Goldsmith, author of The Runaway Universe and Connecting with the Cosmos)

"A highly readable and exhilarating romp through the frontiers of cosmology." (Martin Rees, author of Our Cosmic Habitat and Our Final Century)

Most Beautiful Exposition of the Cosmos

A balanced and thoughtful thesis on the universe with a proper and careful study of varying opinions and ideas. Michio comes across as honest well versed and balanced in his exposition. Truly marvelous. Such a beauty. To me it answered so many questions on theology and provided arguments that even the best modern religious scholars would struggle to think about. The mind is unconstrained by the dogmas and traditions that we found. Truly learning is better than inheriting.

Good book

This is book is a journey through the miseries of classic and modern physics, I recommend this book to anyone.

Excellent

True to his stated purpose, the author presents this complex material so that the average reader can gain insight into theoretical physics and cosmology. Not an easy task. Kudos to the author for his clear, crisp, and concise writing. No math necessary!

Laws of physics and possibilities

Recently, the head of the DoD’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), their UFO/UAP office, stated during testimony:

“AARO has found no credible evidence thus far of extraterrestrial activity, off world technology, or objets that defy the known laws of physics.”

Michio Kaku tells us in “Parallel Worlds” how wide open that statement really is. Quantum Mechanics, General Relativity, and some of the best theories to unify them open doors to incredible possibilities.

Is there more of me?

I love how Dr. Kaku can take complex theories, ideas, and science and distill each into understandable ways most of us can follow.

There is hard science within this book but laid out in such a manner that the reader can return often to parts or passages that require closer reading.

A wonderful book for a student to read but more importantly to keep and refer to often.

Little bit over my head. Love Michio Kaku, but...

Would you consider the audio edition of Parallel Worlds to be better than the print version?

No idea. Probably in some ways, yes.

What could Michio Kaku have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I loved the illustrations and examples he gave to relate the complicated concepts to everyday life. Would've liked more if possible. And to the layperson, I don't really care about ultra-specific details - but I understand he wanted to be thorough. It just made the book drag a little for me.

Which character – as performed by Marc Vietor – was your favorite?

Einstein.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Mind would have exploded.

Any additional comments?

I'd look for the abridged version if you're just a layperson like me who likes to watch documentaries on space and is intrigued about the possibility of time travel and parallel worlds -- but is not well steeped in the topic. I like physics but I, by no means, am an expert in math or physics. I have a very basic grasp of space, time, and physics. In all, this book was over my head and not extremely enjoyable. But Michio Kaku is amazing and I am by no means bashing him! This is a great book, especially for those of you who may have more knowledge than I do in this department!! Just beware, layperson, this may get a little tedious to listen to.

Excellent book!

Another great book by Michio Kaku. I read this book years ago, and wanted to review. Made for a great listen. A very accessible delivery of a complex subject. A must listen for any physics enthusiasts or those who are just plain fascinated by science and technology.

Great layman's introduction

For those of us not blessed with deductive mathematical minds, but nevertheless interested in the way the universe works, this book provides a great overview of astrophysics and catalogs various theories of physicists. It alao provides historical context and remains, for the most part, highly accessible. Excellent performance as well.

nice

Loved it ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
it was a great book. Extremely informative, I highly recommended it to everyone.

Very enlightening

I have been able to increase my understanding of the world and the universe at large.