Why You Can’t Catch a Rocket to Mars
Some Personal Reflections on Science and Society, by Lyndon N. Smith
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Prime members: New to Audible?Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Why You Can’t Catch a Rocket to Mars
Buy for $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Prof. Lyndon N. Smith
About this listen
Hey, you, all lovers of science and technology, this richly illustrated book is for you, no matter what age and what level of understanding of physics you have. This is a combination of humour and scientific insight at its best. The author, Lyndon N. Smith, a highly-acclaimed British academic, explains in a unique, provocative, and accessible way the past and present approaches of scientific endeavour and invites you to a discussion about the fascinating technological developments that we may expect to see in the future.
This is popular science with a twist - both entertaining and educational! You will be taken on a journey touching on more conventional topics such as transport, robotics and manufacturing to the more exciting ones such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and rocketry. The author discusses the effects we may expect such advanced technologies to have on our lives, including the prospects for extending life and achieving interstellar travel, with all their astonishing implications. Physics students, academics or laymen, be ready to be entertained!
This information-packed book has now been released as an audiobook with a reading by the author, so now you can literally hear about the future of science and technology while in the car, at home or anywhere else you please - apart from, currently, Mars! The audiobook is accompanied by a pdf file that contains a large number of drawings and illustrations, which were created by the author for the book.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Prof. Lyndon N. Smith (P)2021 Prof. Lyndon N. SmithListeners also enjoyed...
-
Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness
- Proven Strategies for Discovering Happiness, Meaning, and Fulfillment
- By: Christopher Martin
- Narrated by: Gary J. Chambers
- Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 1
Finding Joy presents a comprehensive, practical guide for living your best life with chronic illness. This psychology self-help book integrates personal and professional insights to give you tools for handling various aspects of living with a chronic illness. There is also a chapter specifically for the loved ones and caregivers of the chronically ill. While this book is designed for anyone with a chronic illness, the spiritual content early in the book suggests the value of sticking to your faith and offers several Bible references.
-
Own Your Mind
- A No-BS Manual to Mastering Mental Health
- By: B. Goode
- Narrated by: Samantha Novak
- Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 28
Own Your Mind: A No-BS Manual to Mastering Mental Health by B. Goode is a comprehensive guide designed to demystify the concepts of mental health and mindfulness for the modern listener. Aimed primarily at young adults, this book combats common misconceptions and presents scientific evidence supporting mindfulness as a powerful tool in managing mental health. It explores the roots and implications of mental health issues, the science behind mindfulness, the mind-body connection, and practical ways to weave mindfulness into everyday life.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Its, Just 'Okay'
- By Nurse Joshua on 02-15-24
By: B. Goode
-
Crazy, Strange, and Disruptive Ideas
- By: Martin K. Ettington
- Narrated by: Martin K. Ettington
- Length: 1 hr and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 25
What are the bounds of thought? And how do we know if an idea is completely insane, or just a paradigm change? In this audiobook, we explore Insanity, Crazy, Strange, and Disruptive ideas, and just some thoughts and stories. And what are disruptive ideas or ideas which break currently accepted paradigms? My goal is for you, the listener, to expand your minds to think "outside of the box" and not immediately condemn or make fun of new ideas just because they sound weird or wacky. Who knows? These new ideas might actually change the world for the better.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Just Amazing!
- By JesusGonzales on 09-14-19
-
Stop Overthinking and Get Your Act Together
- 13 Tips to Calm Your Anxious Mind, Reduce Stress, Increase Productivity, and Find Happiness
- By: Lara J. Noble
- Narrated by: Emileigh Ireland
- Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 45
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 44
The fact is overthinking is not a productive use of your time, and it doesn’t lead to better outcomes. The opposite is true–overthinking reduces your chances of being successful and is blocking your path to living your best life.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
extremely accurate
- By Babboo on 08-05-23
By: Lara J. Noble
-
Brief Answers to the Big Questions
- By: Stephen Hawking, Eddie Redmayne - foreword
- Narrated by: Garrick Hagon, Lucy Hawking, Ben Whishaw
- Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,984
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,613
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 2,593
Stephen Hawking not only unraveled some of the universe's greatest mysteries but also believed science plays a critical role in fixing problems here on Earth. Now, as we face immense challenges on our planet - including climate change, the threat of nuclear war, and the development of artificial intelligence - he turns his attention to the most urgent issues facing us. Will humanity survive? Should we colonize space? Does God exist? These are just a few of the questions Hawking addresses in this wide-ranging, passionately argued final book from one of the greatest minds in history.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A wonderful, wonderful listening experience
- By La Traviata on 10-16-18
By: Stephen Hawking, and others
-
Life 3.0
- Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- By: Max Tegmark
- Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
- Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5,895
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 5,119
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 5,102
How will artificial intelligence affect crime, war, justice, jobs, society, and our very sense of being human? The rise of AI has the potential to transform our future more than any other technology - and there's nobody better qualified or situated to explore that future than Max Tegmark, an MIT professor who's helped mainstream research on how to keep AI beneficial.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Irritating
- By Thomas Cotter on 10-25-17
By: Max Tegmark
-
Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness
- Proven Strategies for Discovering Happiness, Meaning, and Fulfillment
- By: Christopher Martin
- Narrated by: Gary J. Chambers
- Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 1
Finding Joy presents a comprehensive, practical guide for living your best life with chronic illness. This psychology self-help book integrates personal and professional insights to give you tools for handling various aspects of living with a chronic illness. There is also a chapter specifically for the loved ones and caregivers of the chronically ill. While this book is designed for anyone with a chronic illness, the spiritual content early in the book suggests the value of sticking to your faith and offers several Bible references.
-
Own Your Mind
- A No-BS Manual to Mastering Mental Health
- By: B. Goode
- Narrated by: Samantha Novak
- Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 28
Own Your Mind: A No-BS Manual to Mastering Mental Health by B. Goode is a comprehensive guide designed to demystify the concepts of mental health and mindfulness for the modern listener. Aimed primarily at young adults, this book combats common misconceptions and presents scientific evidence supporting mindfulness as a powerful tool in managing mental health. It explores the roots and implications of mental health issues, the science behind mindfulness, the mind-body connection, and practical ways to weave mindfulness into everyday life.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Its, Just 'Okay'
- By Nurse Joshua on 02-15-24
By: B. Goode
-
Crazy, Strange, and Disruptive Ideas
- By: Martin K. Ettington
- Narrated by: Martin K. Ettington
- Length: 1 hr and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 25
What are the bounds of thought? And how do we know if an idea is completely insane, or just a paradigm change? In this audiobook, we explore Insanity, Crazy, Strange, and Disruptive ideas, and just some thoughts and stories. And what are disruptive ideas or ideas which break currently accepted paradigms? My goal is for you, the listener, to expand your minds to think "outside of the box" and not immediately condemn or make fun of new ideas just because they sound weird or wacky. Who knows? These new ideas might actually change the world for the better.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Just Amazing!
- By JesusGonzales on 09-14-19
-
Stop Overthinking and Get Your Act Together
- 13 Tips to Calm Your Anxious Mind, Reduce Stress, Increase Productivity, and Find Happiness
- By: Lara J. Noble
- Narrated by: Emileigh Ireland
- Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 45
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 44
The fact is overthinking is not a productive use of your time, and it doesn’t lead to better outcomes. The opposite is true–overthinking reduces your chances of being successful and is blocking your path to living your best life.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
extremely accurate
- By Babboo on 08-05-23
By: Lara J. Noble
-
Brief Answers to the Big Questions
- By: Stephen Hawking, Eddie Redmayne - foreword
- Narrated by: Garrick Hagon, Lucy Hawking, Ben Whishaw
- Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,984
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,613
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 2,593
Stephen Hawking not only unraveled some of the universe's greatest mysteries but also believed science plays a critical role in fixing problems here on Earth. Now, as we face immense challenges on our planet - including climate change, the threat of nuclear war, and the development of artificial intelligence - he turns his attention to the most urgent issues facing us. Will humanity survive? Should we colonize space? Does God exist? These are just a few of the questions Hawking addresses in this wide-ranging, passionately argued final book from one of the greatest minds in history.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A wonderful, wonderful listening experience
- By La Traviata on 10-16-18
By: Stephen Hawking, and others
-
Life 3.0
- Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- By: Max Tegmark
- Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
- Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5,895
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 5,119
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 5,102
How will artificial intelligence affect crime, war, justice, jobs, society, and our very sense of being human? The rise of AI has the potential to transform our future more than any other technology - and there's nobody better qualified or situated to explore that future than Max Tegmark, an MIT professor who's helped mainstream research on how to keep AI beneficial.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Irritating
- By Thomas Cotter on 10-25-17
By: Max Tegmark
-
The Beginning of Infinity
- Explanations That Transform the World
- By: David Deutsch
- Narrated by: Walter Dixon
- Length: 20 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,670
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,416
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,399
A bold and all-embracing exploration of the nature and progress of knowledge from one of today's great thinkers. Throughout history, mankind has struggled to understand life's mysteries, from the mundane to the seemingly miraculous. In this important new book, David Deutsch, an award-winning pioneer in the field of quantum computation, argues that explanations have a fundamental place in the universe.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Worthwhile if you have the patience
- By Scott Feuless on 08-12-19
By: David Deutsch
-
Human Compatible
- Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control
- By: Stuart Russell
- Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill
- Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 577
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 475
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 468
In the popular imagination, superhuman artificial intelligence is an approaching tidal wave that threatens not just jobs and human relationships, but civilization itself. Conflict between humans and machines is seen as inevitable and its outcome all too predictable. In this groundbreaking audiobook, distinguished AI researcher Stuart Russell argues that this scenario can be avoided, but only if we rethink AI from the ground up. Russell begins by exploring the idea of intelligence in humans and in machines.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Good General Introduction to AI Topic
- By Catherine Puma on 03-26-20
By: Stuart Russell
-
Extraterrestrial
- The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth
- By: Avi Loeb
- Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
- Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,165
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,010
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,006
In late 2017, scientists at a Hawaiian observatory glimpsed an object soaring through our inner solar system, moving so quickly that it could only have come from another star. Avi Loeb, Harvard’s top astronomer, showed it was not an asteroid; it was moving too fast along a strange orbit, and left no trail of gas or debris in its wake. There was only one conceivable explanation: the object was a piece of advanced technology created by a distant alien civilization.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Decent but the title shouldn't make you buy it
- By jiulio margalli on 01-27-21
By: Avi Loeb
-
Fundamentals
- Ten Keys to Reality
- By: Frank Wilczek
- Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins, Frank Wilczek
- Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 392
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 335
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 334
One of our great contemporary scientists reveals the 10 profound insights that illuminate what everyone should know about the physical world.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Is this for kindergarteners?
- By James S. on 01-24-21
By: Frank Wilczek
-
Do Dice Play God?
- The Mathematics of Uncertainty
- By: Ian Stewart
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 33
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 33
We would like to believe we can know things for certain. We want to be able to figure out who will win an election, if the stock market will crash, or if a suspect definitely committed a crime. But the odds are not in our favor. Life is full of uncertainty - indeed, scientific advances indicate that the universe might be fundamentally inexact - and humans are terrible at guessing. When asked to predict the outcome of a chance event, we are almost always wrong.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A very fine book
- By Sooch San Souci on 05-09-20
By: Ian Stewart
-
The Eerie Silence
- Renewing Our Search for Alien Intelligence
- By: Paul Davies
- Narrated by: George K. Wilson
- Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 217
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 171
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 173
Fifty years ago, a young astronomer named Frank Drake pointed a radio telescope at nearby stars in the hope of picking up a signal from an alien civilization. Thus began one of the boldest scientific projects in history, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). But after a half century of scanning the skies, astronomers have little to report but an eerie silence---eerie because many scientists are convinced that the universe is teeming with life.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Scientifically Curious? Hmmm.
- By Kathy in CA on 10-10-16
By: Paul Davies
-
The Age of Spiritual Machines
- When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence
- By: Ray Kurzweil
- Narrated by: Alan Sklar
- Length: 3 hrs and 34 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 540
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 422
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 414
Imagine a world where the difference between man and machine blurs, where the line between humanity and technology fades, and where the soul and the silicon chip unite. This is not science fiction. This is the twenty-first century according to Ray Kurzweil, the “restless genius” (The Wall Street Journal), “ultimate thinking machine” (Forbes), and inventor of the most innovative and compelling technology of our era.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
An optimistic map to technological transcendence
- By Ryan on 03-07-12
By: Ray Kurzweil
-
The Skeptics' Guide to the Future
- What Yesterday's Science and Science Fiction Tell Us About the World of Tomorrow
- By: Dr. Steven Novella, Bob Novella - contributor, Jay Novella - contributor
- Narrated by: Dr. Steven Novella
- Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 264
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 214
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 212
In THE SKEPTICS' GUIDE TO THE FUTURE, Steven Novella and his co-authors build upon the work of futurists of the past by examining what they got right, what they got wrong, and how they came to those conclusions. By exploring the pitfalls of each era, they give their own speculations about the distant future, transformed by unbelievable technology ranging from genetic manipulation to artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Thin gruel from the rogues
- By James Weisner on 11-27-22
By: Dr. Steven Novella, and others
-
Estelle Li and the September Issue
- Top Model, Book 1
- By: Adam Jay Ung
- Narrated by: Elyse Osterhaug
- Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 21
Estelle Li is a young and aspiring Chinese American model who’s equally vulnerable as she is strong and independent. She’s willing to sacrifice everything and do whatever it takes to achieve her dream of becoming the next top model. This sort of mindset is undoubtedly required to become a top fashion model, with competition high and opportunities few and far between. But it comes at a high price. Will Estelle Li become the model she’s always dreamed of being? Or will the fashion industry chew her up and spit her out?
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Per aspera ad astra!
- By Kymbat on 05-12-24
By: Adam Jay Ung
-
On the Future
- Prospects for Humanity
- By: Martin Rees
- Narrated by: Martin Rees, Samuel West
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 154
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 131
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 130
Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes - good and bad - are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and best-selling author Martin Rees argues that humanity’s prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Science, the future, and great wisdom
- By Philomath on 10-29-18
By: Martin Rees
-
Particles in the Air
- A Dr. Mallory Hayes Medical Thriller
- By: Dr. Jenna Podjasek
- Narrated by: Richard Salem
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 77
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 74
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 74
Dr. Mallory Hayes, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) medical investigator, is a committed physician and researcher quietly battling height and air-flight anxiety. When a tsunami devastates the coast of Southern California, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes a camp to house the tens of thousands of people displaced by the disaster, and the Army is brought in to provide medical services.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
The terrible voices in the narration.
- By Jolene on 02-04-24
-
The Contact Paradox
- Challenging our Assumptions in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- By: Keith Cooper
- Narrated by: Matthew Waterson
- Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 45
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 37
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 37
In 1974 a message was beamed towards the stars by the giant Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico, a brief blast of radio waves designed to alert extraterrestrial civilizations to our existence. Of course, we don't know if such civilizations really exist. But for the past six decades a small cadre of researchers have been on a quest to find out, as part of SETI, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Boring, so really boring
- By Amazon Customer on 11-16-20
By: Keith Cooper
Related to this topic
-
On the Future
- Prospects for Humanity
- By: Martin Rees
- Narrated by: Martin Rees, Samuel West
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 154
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 131
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 130
Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes - good and bad - are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and best-selling author Martin Rees argues that humanity’s prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Science, the future, and great wisdom
- By Philomath on 10-29-18
By: Martin Rees
-
Know This
- Today's Most Interesting and Important Scientific Ideas, Discoveries, and Developments
- By: John Brockman
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Dan John Miller
- Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 232
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 204
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 201
Scientific developments radically alter our understanding of the world. Whether it's technology, climate change, health research, or the latest revelations of neuroscience, physics, or psychology, science has, as Edge editor John Brockman says, "become a big story, if not the big story". In that spirit this new addition to Edge.org's fascinating series asks a powerful and provocative question: What do you consider the most interesting and important recent scientific news?
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Pete and Repeat and Re-repeat
- By Daniel L on 02-25-18
By: John Brockman
-
The Science of Rick and Morty
- The Unofficial Guide to Earth's Stupidest Show
- By: Matt Brady
- Narrated by: Joe Hempel
- Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 105
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 91
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 91
Blending biology, chemistry, and physics basics with accessible - and witty-prose, The Science of Rick and Morty equips you with the scientific foundation to thoroughly understand Rick's experiments from the show, such as how we can use dark matter and energy, just what is intelligence hacking, and whether or not you can really control a cockroach's nervous system with your tongue. Perfect for longtime and new fans of the show, this is the ultimate segue into discovering more about our complicated and fascinating universe.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Some good science in here?
- By Darin Harbert on 02-06-20
By: Matt Brady
-
The Varieties of Scientific Experience
- A Personal View of the Search for God
- By: Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan - editor
- Narrated by: Adrienne C. Moore, Ann Druyan
- Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 176
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 154
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 151
The late great astronomer and astrophysicist describes his personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos. Exhibiting a breadth of intellect nothing short of astounding, Sagan presents his views on a wide range of topics, including the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets, creationism and so-called intelligent design.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Sagan's lectures about the possibility of God
- By David T. on 11-13-17
By: Carl Sagan, and others
-
Radical Abundance
- How a Revolution in Nanotechnology Will Change Civilization
- By: K. Eric Drexler
- Narrated by: Tim Pabon
- Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 131
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 109
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 109
K. Eric Drexler is the founding father of nanotechnology - the science of engineering on a molecular level. In Radical Abundance, he shows how rapid scientific progress is about to change our world. Thanks to atomically precise manufacturing, we will soon have the power to produce radically more of what people want, and at a lower cost. The result will shake the very foundations of our economy and environment.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Drexler Rehashes the Past
- By David on 10-19-13
By: K. Eric Drexler
-
Confessions of an Alien Hunter
- A Scientist's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- By: Seth Shostak
- Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
- Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 95
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 69
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 69
This engaging memoir reveals the true story of the Search for ExtraterrestrialIntelligence (SETI), and discloses what we may very soon discover. Chronicling the program’s history with insight and humor, SETI senior astronomer Seth Shostak assures us that if there is sentient life in the universe, we are within decades of picking up its signal.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Somewhat Disappointed...
- By Tim on 11-12-10
By: Seth Shostak
-
On the Future
- Prospects for Humanity
- By: Martin Rees
- Narrated by: Martin Rees, Samuel West
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 154
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 131
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 130
Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes - good and bad - are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and best-selling author Martin Rees argues that humanity’s prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Science, the future, and great wisdom
- By Philomath on 10-29-18
By: Martin Rees
-
Know This
- Today's Most Interesting and Important Scientific Ideas, Discoveries, and Developments
- By: John Brockman
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Dan John Miller
- Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 232
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 204
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 201
Scientific developments radically alter our understanding of the world. Whether it's technology, climate change, health research, or the latest revelations of neuroscience, physics, or psychology, science has, as Edge editor John Brockman says, "become a big story, if not the big story". In that spirit this new addition to Edge.org's fascinating series asks a powerful and provocative question: What do you consider the most interesting and important recent scientific news?
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Pete and Repeat and Re-repeat
- By Daniel L on 02-25-18
By: John Brockman
-
The Science of Rick and Morty
- The Unofficial Guide to Earth's Stupidest Show
- By: Matt Brady
- Narrated by: Joe Hempel
- Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 105
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 91
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 91
Blending biology, chemistry, and physics basics with accessible - and witty-prose, The Science of Rick and Morty equips you with the scientific foundation to thoroughly understand Rick's experiments from the show, such as how we can use dark matter and energy, just what is intelligence hacking, and whether or not you can really control a cockroach's nervous system with your tongue. Perfect for longtime and new fans of the show, this is the ultimate segue into discovering more about our complicated and fascinating universe.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Some good science in here?
- By Darin Harbert on 02-06-20
By: Matt Brady
-
The Varieties of Scientific Experience
- A Personal View of the Search for God
- By: Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan - editor
- Narrated by: Adrienne C. Moore, Ann Druyan
- Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 176
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 154
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 151
The late great astronomer and astrophysicist describes his personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos. Exhibiting a breadth of intellect nothing short of astounding, Sagan presents his views on a wide range of topics, including the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets, creationism and so-called intelligent design.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Sagan's lectures about the possibility of God
- By David T. on 11-13-17
By: Carl Sagan, and others
-
Radical Abundance
- How a Revolution in Nanotechnology Will Change Civilization
- By: K. Eric Drexler
- Narrated by: Tim Pabon
- Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 131
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 109
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 109
K. Eric Drexler is the founding father of nanotechnology - the science of engineering on a molecular level. In Radical Abundance, he shows how rapid scientific progress is about to change our world. Thanks to atomically precise manufacturing, we will soon have the power to produce radically more of what people want, and at a lower cost. The result will shake the very foundations of our economy and environment.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Drexler Rehashes the Past
- By David on 10-19-13
By: K. Eric Drexler
-
Confessions of an Alien Hunter
- A Scientist's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- By: Seth Shostak
- Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
- Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 95
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 69
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 69
This engaging memoir reveals the true story of the Search for ExtraterrestrialIntelligence (SETI), and discloses what we may very soon discover. Chronicling the program’s history with insight and humor, SETI senior astronomer Seth Shostak assures us that if there is sentient life in the universe, we are within decades of picking up its signal.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Somewhat Disappointed...
- By Tim on 11-12-10
By: Seth Shostak
-
The Upright Thinkers
- The Human Journey From Living in Trees to Understanding the Cosmos
- By: Leonard Mlodinow
- Narrated by: Leonard Mlodinow
- Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 202
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 178
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 179
In this fascinating and illuminating work, Leonard Mlodinow guides us through the critical eras and events in the development of science, all of which, he demonstrates, were propelled forward by humankind's collective struggle to know. From the birth of reasoning and culture to the formation of the studies of physics, chemistry, biology, and modern-day quantum physics, we come to see that much of our progress can be attributed to simple questions - why? how? - bravely asked.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
10/10 Got What I Wanted.
- By Austin on 09-22-15
By: Leonard Mlodinow
-
Knocking on Heaven's Door
- How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and the Modern World
- By: Lisa Randall
- Narrated by: Carrington MacDuffie
- Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall3.5 out of 5 stars 184
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 152
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 156
The latest developments in physics have the potential to radically revise our understanding of the world: its makeup, its evolution, and the fundamental forces that drive its operation. Knocking on Heaven's Door is an exhilarating and accessible overview of these developments and an impassioned argument for the significance of science. There could be no better guide than Lisa Randall.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Too Political
- By Allan on 12-14-11
By: Lisa Randall
-
The Physics of Star Trek
- By: Lawrence M. Krauss
- Narrated by: Larry McKeever
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 407
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 264
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 262
What actually happens when the words, "beam me up, Scottie" are uttered? What "warps" when something travels at warp speed? Internationally renowned theoretical physicist and educator Lawrence M. Krauss provides matter-of-fact scientific explanations of the physics of Star Trek in this highly creative and informative guide for both the devoted Trekkie and the physics novice.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Interesting Book. Quite Technical
- By Christopher B. on 12-07-04
-
A Beginner’s Guide to Reality
- Exploring Our Everyday Adventures in Wonderland
- By: Jim Baggott
- Narrated by: Victor Bevine
- Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall3.5 out of 5 stars 132
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 102
-
Story3.5 out of 5 stars 101
A unique fusion of philosophy and metaphysics set against the backdrop of contemporary culture. Have you ever wondered if the world is really there when you're not looking? We tend to take the reality of our world very much for granted. This book will lead you down the rabbit hole in search of something we can point to, hang our hats on, and say this is real.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A real great listen on the nature of reality
- By Patrick Mabry, Jr. on 07-30-14
By: Jim Baggott
-
Exoplanets
- Diamond Worlds, Super Earths, Pulsar Planets, and the New Search for Life Beyond Our Solar System
- By: Michael Summers
- Narrated by: Jon Bennett
- Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 178
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 147
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 145
Since its 2009 launch, the Kepler satellite has discovered more than 2,000 exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system. More exoplanets are being discovered all the time, remarkable in their variety. Astronomer Michael Summers and physicist James Trefil explore these remarkable recent discoveries: planets revolving around pulsars, planets made of diamond, planets that are mostly water, and numerous rogue planets wandering through the emptiness of space.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
FINALLY, an Attention-Grabbing Planet Book!
- By aaron on 05-11-17
By: Michael Summers
-
Our Mathematical Universe
- My Quest for the Ultimate Nature of Reality
- By: Max Tegmark
- Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
- Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,506
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,190
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,181
Max Tegmark leads us on an astonishing journey through past, present and future, and through the physics, astronomy, and mathematics that are the foundation of his work, most particularly his hypothesis that our physical reality is a mathematical structure and his theory of the ultimate multiverse. In a dazzling combination of both popular and groundbreaking science, he not only helps us grasp his often mind-boggling theories, but he also shares with us some of the often surprising triumphs and disappointments that have shaped his life as a scientist.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Wow!
- By Michael on 02-02-14
By: Max Tegmark
-
Beyond Biocentrism
- Rethinking Time, Space, Consciousness, and the Illusion of Death
- By: Robert Lanza, Bob Berman
- Narrated by: Peter Ganim
- Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 685
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 598
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 588
In Beyond Biocentrism, acclaimed biologist Robert Lanza and astronomer Bob Berman take the listener on an intellectual thrill ride as they reexamine everything we thought we knew about life, death, the universe, and the nature of reality itself. The first step is acknowledging that our existing model of reality is looking increasingly creaky in the face of recent scientific discoveries.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Here's the thing
- By Mikal on 11-09-18
By: Robert Lanza, and others
-
The World According to Physics
- By: Jim Al-Khalili
- Narrated by: Jim Al-Khalili
- Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 105
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 94
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 94
Shining a light on the most profound insights revealed by modern physics, Jim Al-Khalili invites us all to understand what this crucially important science tells us about the universe and the nature of reality itself. Al-Khalili begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of space, time, energy, and matter, and then describes the three pillars of modern physics - quantum theory, relativity, and thermodynamics - showing how all three must come together if we are ever to have a full understanding of reality.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
excellent book
- By Anonymous User on 05-10-21
By: Jim Al-Khalili
-
The Big Picture
- On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself
- By: Sean Carroll
- Narrated by: Sean Carroll
- Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,133
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,758
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,729
Already internationally acclaimed for his elegant, lucid writing on the most challenging notions in modern physics, Sean Carroll is emerging as one of the greatest humanist thinkers of his generation as he brings his extraordinary intellect to bear not only on the Higgs boson and extra dimensions but now also on our deepest personal questions. Where are we? Who are we? Are our emotions, our beliefs, and our hopes and dreams ultimately meaningless out there in the void?
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
ABSOLUTE MUST READ!
- By serine on 05-12-16
By: Sean Carroll
-
His Master's Voice
- By: Stanislaw Lem
- Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
- Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 181
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 148
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 148
A witty and inventive satire of "men of science" and their thinking, as a team of scientists races to decode a mysterious message from space. "I had the feeling that I was standing at the cradle of a new mythology. A last will and testament...we as the posthumous heirs of Them...."
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Excelent and entertaining
- By Jakub on 01-10-12
By: Stanislaw Lem
-
How the Laser Happened
- Adventures of a Scientist
- By: Charles H. Townes
- Narrated by: Keith Sellon-Wright
- Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 33
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 29
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 29
In How the Laser Happened, Nobel laureate Charles Townes provides a highly personal look at some of the leading events in 20th-century physics. This lively memoir, packed with firsthand accounts and historical anecdotes, is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of science and an inspiring example for students considering scientific careers.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great for aspiring physicists
- By James S. on 10-06-18
-
The Trouble with Physics
- The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next
- By: Lee Smolin
- Narrated by: Walter Dixon
- Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 534
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 358
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 361
In this illuminating book, the renowned theoretical physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics - the search for the laws of nature - is losing its way. Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the publics imagination -- and the imagination of experts.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Strings snipped
- By J B Tipton on 06-06-10
By: Lee Smolin