
What If? 10th Anniversary Edition
Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
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Gesprochen von:
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Wil Wheaton
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Von:
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Randall Munroe
Über diesen Titel
A special tenth anniversary edition of the million-copy bestseller What If? from the creator of the wildly popular webcomic xkcd—revised and annotated with answers to important questions you never thought to ask.
Fans of xkcd ask Munroe a lot of strange questions: What if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at ninety percent the speed of light? How fast can you hit a speed bump while driving and live? If there was a robot apocalypse, how long would humanity last? What if everyone only had one soulmate? What would happen if the moon went away?
In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations, and consults with nuclear reactor operators. His responses are masterpieces of clarity and hilarity, complemented by his signature xkcd comics. (They often predict the complete annihilation of humankind, or at least a really big explosion.)
In celebration of ten years of unusual insight, Randall Munroe has revised his classic blockbuster to ask what if? times ten. The result is ten times the adventure of scientific inquiry. This special anniversary edition is far more than a book for geeks, What If? explains the laws of science in operation in a way that every intelligent listener will enjoy and feel much smarter for having listened to.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2014, 2024 xkcd Inc (P)2024 Blackstone PublishingDas sagen andere Hörer zu What If? 10th Anniversary Edition
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he takes the reader on a journey of scientific exploration, showing how the pursuit of knowledge is itself an ongoing experiment, full of surprises and setbacks.
In the chapter titled “What Happens If You Jump Into a Black Hole?” Hawkins blends complex astrophysics with an entertaining narrative about the possible consequences of such a daring endeavor. He explains the concept of event horizons, the curvature of spacetime, and the dangers of spaghettification (the process by which a person would be stretched and pulled apart as they fall into a black hole). Yet, instead of simply providing dry facts, Hawkins adds humor by imagining the bizarre consequences of various types of black holes, some of which might leave the reader laughing out loud.
Similarly, when tackling the question “Can a human survive on Mars without a spacesuit?”, Hawkins not only discusses the science behind the challenges of surviving in a Martian environment, but he also takes the opportunity to explore the history of space exploration, the future of human colonization, and the potential for creating breathable environments on other planets. What could have been a straightforward discussion of the science behind Mars’ thin atmosphere is turned into a playful yet insightful examination of humanity's dreams and ambitions for space exploration.
Encouraging Curiosity and the Love of Science
What makes “Ridiculous Scientific Questions” truly special is its ability to ignite curiosity in its readers. Hawkins’ infectious enthusiasm for science shines through on every page, and it’s clear that he believes in the importance of asking questions—no matter how strange they may seem. By approaching the seemingly absurd with such seriousness and dedication, Hawkins demonstrates that even the most outlandish ideas are worth exploring. This philosophy encourages readers to engage with the world around them and ask questions, no matter how bizarre or trivial they may appear.
In the chapter “Could You Build a Time Machine Out of a Refrigerator?”, Hawkins not only explores the fascinating possibilities of time travel, but he also delves into the broader concepts of space-time, causality, and the limits of scientific understanding. His humorous take on the refrigerator hypothesis leads into a deeper discussion about the nature of time, quantum mechanics, and the ways in which science fiction has influenced real-world scientific inquiry. Hawkins does not shy away from the impossible, but instead, he invites readers to dream and imagine—while still grounding those dreams in real scientific principles.
Challenging the Limits of Science
While “Ridiculous Scientific Questions” is undoubtedly entertaining, it also serves as a reminder of the limitations of science. Hawkins is not afraid to admit when a question remains unanswered or when the boundaries of human knowledge are stretched to their breaking point. For instance, in the chapter titled “Can You Really Get Lost in a Maze of Infinite Possibilities?”, Hawkins explores the concept of infinite universes and the paradoxes of alternate realities. He presents the idea of an infinite multiverse in a way that is both accessible and challenging, acknowledging that some questions may never have definitive answers.
This theme of embracing uncertainty and the unknown runs throughout the book, making it not just a celebration of the absurd but also a meditation on the beauty of science. Hawkins suggests that part of the joy of scientific inquiry lies in the fact that there will always be questions we cannot yet answer. Rather than frustrating the reader, this realization adds a layer of wonder and humility to the narrative. Science is not about having all the answers; it is about continually seeking them—and appreciating the absurdity of the questions that arise along the way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Ridiculous Scientific Questions: The Absurdity of the Universe Explored” is a delightful, intellectually stimulating, and thoroughly enjoyable read. Dr. Samuel L. Hawkins has crafted a book that balances humor with insight, entertainment with education, and curiosity with respect for the unknown. By tackling some of the most absurd and seemingly trivial questions with rigor and wit, Hawkins invites readers to join him on a journey of scientific exploration that is as fun as it is enlightening.
Whether you are a science enthusiast or a casual reader looking for a fun and engaging book, “Ridiculous Scientific Questions” is sure to leave you with a
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