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About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution
An elegant, witty, and engaging exploration of the riddle of time, which examines the consequences of Einstein's theory of relativity and offers startling suggestions about what recent research may reveal.
The eternal questions of science and religion were profoundly recast by Einstein's theory of relativity and its implications that time can be warped by motion and gravitation, and that it cannot be meaningfully divided into past, present, and future.
In About Time, Paul Davies discusses the big bang theory, chaos theory, and the recent discovery that the universe appears to be younger than some of the objects in it, concluding that Einstein's theory provides only an incomplete understanding of the nature of time. Davies explores unanswered questions such as:
* Does the universe have a beginning and an end?
* Is the passage of time merely an illusion?
* Is it possible to travel backward -- or forward -- in time?
About Time weaves physics and metaphysics in a provocative contemplation of time and the universe.
The eternal questions of science and religion were profoundly recast by Einstein's theory of relativity and its implications that time can be warped by motion and gravitation, and that it cannot be meaningfully divided into past, present, and future.
In About Time, Paul Davies discusses the big bang theory, chaos theory, and the recent discovery that the universe appears to be younger than some of the objects in it, concluding that Einstein's theory provides only an incomplete understanding of the nature of time. Davies explores unanswered questions such as:
* Does the universe have a beginning and an end?
* Is the passage of time merely an illusion?
* Is it possible to travel backward -- or forward -- in time?
About Time weaves physics and metaphysics in a provocative contemplation of time and the universe.
316 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 1995
102 people are currently reading
5,755 people want to read
About the author
Paul C.W. Davies
75Ìýbooks558ÌýfollowersPaul Charles William Davies AM is a British-born physicist, writer and broadcaster, currently a professor at Arizona State University as well as the Director of BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science. He has held previous academic appointments at the University of Cambridge, University of London, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Adelaide and Macquarie University. His research interests are in the fields of cosmology, quantum field theory, and astrobiology. He has proposed that a one-way trip to Mars could be a viable option.
In 2005, he took up the chair of the SETI: Post-Detection Science and Technology Taskgroup of the International Academy of Astronautics.
In 2005, he took up the chair of the SETI: Post-Detection Science and Technology Taskgroup of the International Academy of Astronautics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 1, 2025
Did the universe come into existence with time or in time?
Whether one addresses questions regarding the duration, the existence, the direction or the meaning of time - then, now, before, after, past, present and future - from the point of view of the mathematics of multi-dimensional differential geometry, the physics of special and general relativity or quantum mechanics, meta-physics, religion, or purely philosophy, there can be no doubt that a full and complete understanding of the nature of time is the single biggest roadblock to the development of that holy grail of science, the Theory of Everything. Indeed, even the often strained acceptance of the Big Bang Theory, which is currently the most widely (but far from universally) accepted version of orthodoxy to explain the “beginning� of the universe hinges on a grotesquely incomplete and poorly understood conceptualization of time.
Paul Davies' extended essay on the current state of understanding of the meaning time is elegantly written, lucid, and, at once, head-scratching, provocative and awe-inspiring. But it’s not lightweight stuff that lends itself to scanning and high-speed reading, by any means. In fact, I had to read some sections several times in order to gather even a basic understanding. On the other hand, Davies� explanation of special relativity’s time dilation and the weird symmetry of Twins� Paradox, for example, was the best, the clearest and the simplest to understand of any popular physics book that I’d read in my entire life. I was also thrilled to learn of the subtlety of treating the Big Bang as a boundary to time as opposed to an event that happened IN time!
If you’re a complete beginner to the ideas of cosmology and modern physics, ABOUT TIME is probably not a place for you to begin your journey. On the other hand, if you’ve got a basic grasp of the fundamental ideas of special and general relativity and quantum mechanics and you’re a fan of popular science reading (think Stephen Hawking, Michio Kaku, Neil deGrasse Tyson or Brian Greene, for example), then ABOUT TIME certainly deserves a place on your reading schedule. Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
Whether one addresses questions regarding the duration, the existence, the direction or the meaning of time - then, now, before, after, past, present and future - from the point of view of the mathematics of multi-dimensional differential geometry, the physics of special and general relativity or quantum mechanics, meta-physics, religion, or purely philosophy, there can be no doubt that a full and complete understanding of the nature of time is the single biggest roadblock to the development of that holy grail of science, the Theory of Everything. Indeed, even the often strained acceptance of the Big Bang Theory, which is currently the most widely (but far from universally) accepted version of orthodoxy to explain the “beginning� of the universe hinges on a grotesquely incomplete and poorly understood conceptualization of time.
Paul Davies' extended essay on the current state of understanding of the meaning time is elegantly written, lucid, and, at once, head-scratching, provocative and awe-inspiring. But it’s not lightweight stuff that lends itself to scanning and high-speed reading, by any means. In fact, I had to read some sections several times in order to gather even a basic understanding. On the other hand, Davies� explanation of special relativity’s time dilation and the weird symmetry of Twins� Paradox, for example, was the best, the clearest and the simplest to understand of any popular physics book that I’d read in my entire life. I was also thrilled to learn of the subtlety of treating the Big Bang as a boundary to time as opposed to an event that happened IN time!
If you’re a complete beginner to the ideas of cosmology and modern physics, ABOUT TIME is probably not a place for you to begin your journey. On the other hand, if you’ve got a basic grasp of the fundamental ideas of special and general relativity and quantum mechanics and you’re a fan of popular science reading (think Stephen Hawking, Michio Kaku, Neil deGrasse Tyson or Brian Greene, for example), then ABOUT TIME certainly deserves a place on your reading schedule. Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
December 18, 2012
One of the better popular-science books I've ever read, and certainly the best I've read recently. Well written, engaging, and well-referenced, it not only improved my understanding of General Relativity, but made the very concept of time—both in terms of the experience of its flow and it's scientific sense as a dimension of unified spacetime—both clearer and more diffuse: what is time after all? How can it even be defined in any meaningful way? These questions may seem ridiculous on their face, as time is measured by every clock. But what exactly is that clock measuring, and how? Once you start scratching at that surface understanding, one finds rather little substance holding it up.
Naturally, I will go on to use this as a further justification of my habit of procrastination. Eventually.
Naturally, I will go on to use this as a further justification of my habit of procrastination. Eventually.
December 22, 2018
After reading this book, I seriously got the feeling that my brain has worn make-up!! If you are looking for a reference to understand the big bang theory, black holes, spacetime ...etc .. this book is a great start for you! It is such an informative book and it's formulated to be understood by non-specialists.
July 12, 2020
Anyone embarking on the task of producing a book on the nature of time aimed at the general reader, had better have (1) a sound technical grasp of his subject; and (2) the ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible way. Fortunately, Paul Davies possesses both these skills in spades. For sure, there are some sections that require a high degree of concentration (for this dummy anyway), but that’s probably unavoidable given the subject matter. However, this didn’t stop me reading the whole book in a relatively short time (and, yes, that is an Einstein joke).
It made me keen to explore not only other works by Paul Davies, but also more technical writings on time � and surely there’s no greater praise you can bestow on a popular science book than that.
It made me keen to explore not only other works by Paul Davies, but also more technical writings on time � and surely there’s no greater praise you can bestow on a popular science book than that.
June 18, 2012
Originally published on my blog in January 2000.
About Time is an eminently readable popular account of the current ideas about time in physics, with a short historical section examining philosophical perceptions of time from the ancient Greeks to the time of Newton. The main concerns of the book are to explain the role played by time in the keystones of modern physics, general relativity and quantum mechanics. Since much of physics is concerned with processes, time can be used as a single theme to motivate a discussion of many of the more interesting aspects of modern physics.
The nature of time and its role in the cosmos also lie at the heart of some of the unsolved problems of physics, many people thinking that these issues will provide the key to the next generation of physical theories. Most prominent among these is the asymmetry of time, a major problem when underlying theories would be unchanged if time ran backward rather than forward. In slightly different areas, issues of human perception of time are briefly touched upon as well as what exactly we might be measuring with different kinds of clocks.
The descriptions of relativistic and quantum effects are now the commonplace of popular physics, and the most interesting parts were those dealing with more unusual matters, such as the nature of the interior of black holes or the asymmetry in kaon decay. The device of having a second voice used as a sceptic to facilitate the discussion is slightly annoying but not a big problem.
About Time is an eminently readable popular account of the current ideas about time in physics, with a short historical section examining philosophical perceptions of time from the ancient Greeks to the time of Newton. The main concerns of the book are to explain the role played by time in the keystones of modern physics, general relativity and quantum mechanics. Since much of physics is concerned with processes, time can be used as a single theme to motivate a discussion of many of the more interesting aspects of modern physics.
The nature of time and its role in the cosmos also lie at the heart of some of the unsolved problems of physics, many people thinking that these issues will provide the key to the next generation of physical theories. Most prominent among these is the asymmetry of time, a major problem when underlying theories would be unchanged if time ran backward rather than forward. In slightly different areas, issues of human perception of time are briefly touched upon as well as what exactly we might be measuring with different kinds of clocks.
The descriptions of relativistic and quantum effects are now the commonplace of popular physics, and the most interesting parts were those dealing with more unusual matters, such as the nature of the interior of black holes or the asymmetry in kaon decay. The device of having a second voice used as a sceptic to facilitate the discussion is slightly annoying but not a big problem.
December 1, 2020
Maybe 5 stars. I research Time, I read physics books about Time, but I should have read Davies' book first. He writes so CLEARLY, is so well-organized, so thorough. I like the "cynic" Q&A method he used at times, the way he might introduce a topic on one level and then, after including additional research in subsequent chapters, return to the topic with greater detail. He managed to do all this without equations, keeping it at a comprehensible level throughout, merging the philosophical with the physics discussions. (I did appreciate his anthropomorphizing all those particles that "knew" their positions or energy levels.) If I had any complaint, it's that I would have preferred a more complete index because I referred back and forth a lot.
August 26, 2009
In the spirit of Shrodinger's cat, this book talks about paradoxes in a humorous light. Taking what Davies believes is unfinished business of Einstein, he throws out endless possibilities of what doesn't make sense. Intriguing as it is, we are missing some elements in knowing things that can answer all the questions we have and can turn the paradoxes into sense.
Davies tackles this with this read. It's fascinating.
Davies tackles this with this read. It's fascinating.
November 8, 2015
I have never had a Physics or Astronomy course in my life nor have I previously read any other books on the subject matter. Dr. Davies made no assumptions about the background of his audience and was able to explain concepts in such a way that I was able to move through the book without back tracking and whilst retaining a good portion of the material. The flow was impeccable. I plan to reread this book in a few months. Thank you, Dr. Davies!
December 28, 2020
Mi autor favorito (empatado, pero el favorito) hablando sobre mi tema favorito, la naturaleza fÃsica del paso del tiempo. Este libro es para leerlo y releerlo. Se adentra en la fÃsica lo más que puede y luego complementa desde la filosofÃa. Muy recomendable.
July 2, 2021
This is a pop-science book for sure. But, not only a pop-science book. It is more of an exposition of whatever we have known and deduced through ages about time- in physics, philosophy, psychology, and often in literature.
While it covered a lot of grounds, it's an open-ended book, which is natural because the subject of the book is not in our grasp in totality.
While it covered a lot of grounds, it's an open-ended book, which is natural because the subject of the book is not in our grasp in totality.
May 2, 2012
Paul Davies has for a long time been one of my favorite general physics writers and he does a very good job here. I only have two minor quibbles. The first is probably due to his editor telling him not to use equations but it has to do his explanation of why space and time make an inseparable space-time. The reason is a certain quantity involving both is an invariant under any sort of change like like volume is an invariant when an object is moved. That quantity is "ct squared - x squared" where t is a time interval, x is a spatial distance interval and c is the velocity of light in a vacuum (this is what Minkowski discovered). Davies mentions and many have noticed that this would be the distance formula "ct squared = x square + ? squared" if only we know what "?" was. It is as if we only perceive a shadow of some ultimate invariant change reality just like an object volume will cast its shadow on a wall as it is moved.
My other concern is his claim that time does not exist prior to the Big Bang. While the relativity equations show that space-time and matter are linked such that if one goes to 0 so does the other that does not preclude a more general time-like change reality. One would seem to be needed because every sudden impulse event like the Big Bang has some backwash which takes away its cause otherwise it would just keep on happening. If water breaks a dam the water flows away, if a neural threshold is crossed creating an action potential it generates an inhibitory backwash signal. Finally, physics can not yet explain every low energy phenomena as exemplified by the existence of our conscious sensations. These uncertainties should give one pause before making such broad claims that nothing exists prior to the Big Bang.
My other concern is his claim that time does not exist prior to the Big Bang. While the relativity equations show that space-time and matter are linked such that if one goes to 0 so does the other that does not preclude a more general time-like change reality. One would seem to be needed because every sudden impulse event like the Big Bang has some backwash which takes away its cause otherwise it would just keep on happening. If water breaks a dam the water flows away, if a neural threshold is crossed creating an action potential it generates an inhibitory backwash signal. Finally, physics can not yet explain every low energy phenomena as exemplified by the existence of our conscious sensations. These uncertainties should give one pause before making such broad claims that nothing exists prior to the Big Bang.
September 10, 2009
A perfectly good book on time using Einstein and Einstein's theory of relativity to explain how time is relative and how our perception of time is incorrect in many ways. The author, Paul Davies, seeks to illuminate questions such as whether time flows in one direction, whether time is it's own dimension, whether time existed before the big bang (or whether the big bang happened), whether time travel is possible, and whether time exists at the singularity of a black hole.
Davies uses physics, quantum mechanics, and Einstein's notion of space-time among other things to explore these questions and lay out what physicists have learned and know regarding time. It is reasonably well written and fairly easy to understand for non-science people, though Davies does explain some technical quantuim mechanics.
The only real issue I had with the book was that is was written in 1995 and it seems like the science has moved forward quite a bit since then. For instance, Brian Greene's The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality which was published in 2005, takes this book at least a couple of steps further. So I do find it ironic that a book about the relativity of time is a bit outdated.
Oh yeah, one nit to pick. Several times in the book, Davies went off on a tangent and then wrote something like, "if you want to learn more about this, read my book "XYZ"" (or whatever the book's name). I found that annoying and classless. Don't market to me in the middle of a book. You know what Einstein (or Einstein theory explainer)? If i like you're writing, I'll seek out your other books, I don't need you upselling me mid chapter.
Davies uses physics, quantum mechanics, and Einstein's notion of space-time among other things to explore these questions and lay out what physicists have learned and know regarding time. It is reasonably well written and fairly easy to understand for non-science people, though Davies does explain some technical quantuim mechanics.
The only real issue I had with the book was that is was written in 1995 and it seems like the science has moved forward quite a bit since then. For instance, Brian Greene's The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality which was published in 2005, takes this book at least a couple of steps further. So I do find it ironic that a book about the relativity of time is a bit outdated.
Oh yeah, one nit to pick. Several times in the book, Davies went off on a tangent and then wrote something like, "if you want to learn more about this, read my book "XYZ"" (or whatever the book's name). I found that annoying and classless. Don't market to me in the middle of a book. You know what Einstein (or Einstein theory explainer)? If i like you're writing, I'll seek out your other books, I don't need you upselling me mid chapter.
July 21, 2018
Paul Davis is one of those names that people who read about time travel theory get to know well. The description says:
"This is a book about the meaning of time, what it is, when it has started, how it flows and where to. It examines the consequences of Einstein's theory of relativity and offers startling suggestions about what recent research may reveal."
This about sums it up. Davies takes us through a rabbit hole of fascinating theory and current knowledge of related Physics that is easy to follow, if mind-bending in its content.
He extrapolates on relativity and explores concepts of worm holes and time warps, sharing some of his own experiences of visiting research sites discussing various theories about time travel.
If this is a subject you're interested in, this is one of the books you really need to read. Davies keeps it accessible for the non-Physicist and holds interest on what is a very academic subject.
"This is a book about the meaning of time, what it is, when it has started, how it flows and where to. It examines the consequences of Einstein's theory of relativity and offers startling suggestions about what recent research may reveal."
This about sums it up. Davies takes us through a rabbit hole of fascinating theory and current knowledge of related Physics that is easy to follow, if mind-bending in its content.
He extrapolates on relativity and explores concepts of worm holes and time warps, sharing some of his own experiences of visiting research sites discussing various theories about time travel.
If this is a subject you're interested in, this is one of the books you really need to read. Davies keeps it accessible for the non-Physicist and holds interest on what is a very academic subject.
August 20, 2021
I can't imagine a book more thoroughly covering the topic of time, though "About Time" is a bit up and down in the quality of the various explanations.
On the up side, Davies takes a deep dive (by non-physicists' standards) into Einstein's theories of relativity with a focus on what they mean in terms of our understanding of time. The chapters on time dilation and time warps alone make the book worth reading; I think of them as adding some meat on the bones of Stephen Hawking's famous "A Brief History of Time."
On the downside, some chapters are out of date. That's understandable: the book was written in 1995, before the existence of black holes had been confirmed and when the age of the universe was still very debatable. Other topics were simply too "out there" to be meaningful for a layman like me. I'm not knocking it: Davies stated purpose was to cover what we still are trying to learn about time, but I appreciated his explanations of the known physics a great deal more.
On the up side, Davies takes a deep dive (by non-physicists' standards) into Einstein's theories of relativity with a focus on what they mean in terms of our understanding of time. The chapters on time dilation and time warps alone make the book worth reading; I think of them as adding some meat on the bones of Stephen Hawking's famous "A Brief History of Time."
On the downside, some chapters are out of date. That's understandable: the book was written in 1995, before the existence of black holes had been confirmed and when the age of the universe was still very debatable. Other topics were simply too "out there" to be meaningful for a layman like me. I'm not knocking it: Davies stated purpose was to cover what we still are trying to learn about time, but I appreciated his explanations of the known physics a great deal more.
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May 31, 2008becca
June 7, 2008
For those of us who couldnt grasp quantum physics or physics itself in school, this book is a joy. After I read this book I saw existence, time and my reality forever changed.
June 5, 2023
Review:
"About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution" by Paul Davies is an enlightening and thought-provoking examination of the intricate relationship between time and the universe. Davies, a renowned physicist and science writer, takes readers on an intellectual journey, challenging conventional notions of time and offering fresh perspectives on its enigmatic nature.
The book delves into the scientific and philosophical aspects of time, blending rigorous scientific explanations with philosophical musings. Davies skillfully explores various theories and concepts, ranging from Einstein's theory of relativity to quantum mechanics, while maintaining a coherent narrative throughout. The author's ability to distill complex ideas into accessible language is commendable, allowing readers with varying degrees of scientific knowledge to engage with the material.
One of the strengths of "About Time" is Davies' willingness to venture beyond the boundaries of physics and delve into interdisciplinary areas such as biology, neuroscience, and even psychology. By incorporating insights from different fields, the book offers a broader perspective on the nature of time, revealing its influence on our daily lives and our understanding of consciousness.
Davies skillfully addresses the philosophical implications of time, including discussions on determinism, free will, and the arrow of time. These explorations contribute to a richer and more comprehensive understanding of time, transcending the purely scientific aspects and encouraging readers to contemplate the deeper meaning and significance of this fundamental dimension.
While the book presents complex concepts, some sections may prove challenging for readers without a strong scientific background. Davies' exploration of advanced topics can occasionally become dense and may require rereading to fully grasp the nuances. Nevertheless, the author's passion for the subject shines through, and his enthusiasm is infectious, making the effort worthwhile.
"About Time" is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a book that inspires wonder and curiosity. The inclusion of thought experiments, real-life examples, and engaging anecdotes enhances the reading experience, providing relatable entry points into the abstract realm of time.
However, one aspect that could have been further developed is the discussion of recent advancements in the study of time. Given that the book was published a few years ago, it may not incorporate the most cutting-edge research and discoveries in the field. Nonetheless, this does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the book.
conclusion:
"About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution" is a profound and intellectually stimulating exploration of time. Paul Davies' multidisciplinary approach and his ability to fuse scientific concepts with philosophical ponderings make this book a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of this fundamental aspect of our existence. Prepare to be captivated by the mysteries of time and emerge with a renewed appreciation for its profound implications.
"About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution" by Paul Davies is an enlightening and thought-provoking examination of the intricate relationship between time and the universe. Davies, a renowned physicist and science writer, takes readers on an intellectual journey, challenging conventional notions of time and offering fresh perspectives on its enigmatic nature.
The book delves into the scientific and philosophical aspects of time, blending rigorous scientific explanations with philosophical musings. Davies skillfully explores various theories and concepts, ranging from Einstein's theory of relativity to quantum mechanics, while maintaining a coherent narrative throughout. The author's ability to distill complex ideas into accessible language is commendable, allowing readers with varying degrees of scientific knowledge to engage with the material.
One of the strengths of "About Time" is Davies' willingness to venture beyond the boundaries of physics and delve into interdisciplinary areas such as biology, neuroscience, and even psychology. By incorporating insights from different fields, the book offers a broader perspective on the nature of time, revealing its influence on our daily lives and our understanding of consciousness.
Davies skillfully addresses the philosophical implications of time, including discussions on determinism, free will, and the arrow of time. These explorations contribute to a richer and more comprehensive understanding of time, transcending the purely scientific aspects and encouraging readers to contemplate the deeper meaning and significance of this fundamental dimension.
While the book presents complex concepts, some sections may prove challenging for readers without a strong scientific background. Davies' exploration of advanced topics can occasionally become dense and may require rereading to fully grasp the nuances. Nevertheless, the author's passion for the subject shines through, and his enthusiasm is infectious, making the effort worthwhile.
"About Time" is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a book that inspires wonder and curiosity. The inclusion of thought experiments, real-life examples, and engaging anecdotes enhances the reading experience, providing relatable entry points into the abstract realm of time.
However, one aspect that could have been further developed is the discussion of recent advancements in the study of time. Given that the book was published a few years ago, it may not incorporate the most cutting-edge research and discoveries in the field. Nonetheless, this does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the book.
conclusion:
"About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution" is a profound and intellectually stimulating exploration of time. Paul Davies' multidisciplinary approach and his ability to fuse scientific concepts with philosophical ponderings make this book a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of this fundamental aspect of our existence. Prepare to be captivated by the mysteries of time and emerge with a renewed appreciation for its profound implications.
March 19, 2024
It’s been a long time since I read any Paul Davies. I seem to recall finding his Mind of God from 1992 interesting, but other than an IAI talk alongside Sabine Hossenfelder, I haven’t heard much about him since the 90s. This book also dates from that time (1995) so I wondered how relevant it might be today. But this pristine hardback was only two dollars at the used bookstore � how could I pass that up?
Even though this mostly duplicates material I’ve read elsewhere over the years, the one thing that struck me right away in the opening chapter is how Davies provides for a very clear image of the subjects he discusses. Nothing fuzzy or hazy. Probably the most clearly described explanation of time dilation and twin paradox that I’ve ever read. If you’ve ever struggled with conceptualizing Einstein’s relativity, this is the book for you. So, in that regard, this is strongly recommended for those young or old who are just starting out on their scientific journey.
I would suggest starting with the author’s list of a dozen outstanding puzzles about time, found on pages 280-283. This will whet your appetite for what the book will present as a gluttonous multi-coarse feast.
Davies spends an entire chapter on the Wheeler-Feynman calculations for the time-asymmetry enigma (advanced and retarded wave propagation) and the past-future ambiguity of kaons. By the end we end up where we started: it would seem impossible to circumvent the straight arrow of time (now we have the calculations to prove it). Apart from some funny stuff with tachyons and the possibility of sending encoded messages to the past, time travel in any sort of physical form (with matter) is not possible. That is why I appreciate when science fiction writer Alastair Reynolds creates a clever time-travel story in his Eversion that doesn’t violate these principles. This is all rather esoteric stuff that doesn’t move us forward on any of the important issues, but I found it entertainingly clever nonetheless.
Also entertaining are the stubborn Doubting Thomas interjections which permeate the narrative. A clever way to finesse and explain issues from another perspective. I also liked the section on how philosophers have dealt with the subject of time in the past, with a quote from philosopher Michael Lockwood: “No position is so absurd that a philosopher cannot be found to argue for it.�
All in all an exceedingly well-written book, most appropriate for those seeking general enlightenment, but also full of anecdotes and esoteric minutia to keep the more seasoned reader engaged.
Even though this mostly duplicates material I’ve read elsewhere over the years, the one thing that struck me right away in the opening chapter is how Davies provides for a very clear image of the subjects he discusses. Nothing fuzzy or hazy. Probably the most clearly described explanation of time dilation and twin paradox that I’ve ever read. If you’ve ever struggled with conceptualizing Einstein’s relativity, this is the book for you. So, in that regard, this is strongly recommended for those young or old who are just starting out on their scientific journey.
I would suggest starting with the author’s list of a dozen outstanding puzzles about time, found on pages 280-283. This will whet your appetite for what the book will present as a gluttonous multi-coarse feast.
Davies spends an entire chapter on the Wheeler-Feynman calculations for the time-asymmetry enigma (advanced and retarded wave propagation) and the past-future ambiguity of kaons. By the end we end up where we started: it would seem impossible to circumvent the straight arrow of time (now we have the calculations to prove it). Apart from some funny stuff with tachyons and the possibility of sending encoded messages to the past, time travel in any sort of physical form (with matter) is not possible. That is why I appreciate when science fiction writer Alastair Reynolds creates a clever time-travel story in his Eversion that doesn’t violate these principles. This is all rather esoteric stuff that doesn’t move us forward on any of the important issues, but I found it entertainingly clever nonetheless.
Also entertaining are the stubborn Doubting Thomas interjections which permeate the narrative. A clever way to finesse and explain issues from another perspective. I also liked the section on how philosophers have dealt with the subject of time in the past, with a quote from philosopher Michael Lockwood: “No position is so absurd that a philosopher cannot be found to argue for it.�
All in all an exceedingly well-written book, most appropriate for those seeking general enlightenment, but also full of anecdotes and esoteric minutia to keep the more seasoned reader engaged.
March 8, 2022
Good book, a lot of typical popular science, but also he is prepared to go a bit further than most into more philosophical and murky terrain where required. The discussion of the twin paradox is certainly something I will be revisiting and is where I got the initial ideal to look into the work of Herbert Dingle. Davies suggests there is no problem with the standard view, as he would, and I think he certainly gives a good account of its strengths in some areas. But, the usual weaknesses remain, and we are still left with many issues regarding the reality status of time that are unsolved. He jumps back and forth from accepting the doctrines of the scientific community to raising some philosophical criticisms of them that refreshingly allows you to not feel you are just being bombarded or browbeaten with a pre-decided narrative of what science has to say about the nature of time and reality.
November 3, 2023
The book really is a whimsically erudite journey through the warping corridors of spacetime, all birthed from Einstein's revolutionary insights. Davies, with a twinkle in his prose, invites the reader to dance to the cosmic symphony of relativity, where time is not a staid procession but a dynamic feast of intervals, curving and cavorting around masses. The book pirouettes around complex theories with the grace of a seasoned physicist, presenting them with a playfulness that belies their profundity. Davies doesn't just explain time; he celebrates it, transforming our understanding of this fundamental dimension into an intellectual masquerade, where each revelation is a mask slipped off to reveal yet another wonder. In this delightful escapade, "About Time" stands not merely as a tribute to Einstein's legacy but as an ongoing conversation with the very essence of the universe—a tickling of the mind's curiosity with the feather of relativity.
November 12, 2023
This is one of the books that inspired #chroniclesofalosttomorrow to use the time travel concept more groundedly even though this book only touches on time travel a couple of times.
About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution" by Paul Davies explores the concept of time in the context of Einstein's theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. The book delves into the nature of time, its relationship with the fundamental laws of physics, and the unresolved questions that persist in our understanding of temporal phenomena.
Paul Davies examines how Einstein's theories have shaped our perception of time, challenging classical notions and introducing a more complex and dynamic understanding. The book addresses topics such as time dilation, the curvature of spacetime, and the interplay between time and the quantum realm.
About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution" by Paul Davies explores the concept of time in the context of Einstein's theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. The book delves into the nature of time, its relationship with the fundamental laws of physics, and the unresolved questions that persist in our understanding of temporal phenomena.
Paul Davies examines how Einstein's theories have shaped our perception of time, challenging classical notions and introducing a more complex and dynamic understanding. The book addresses topics such as time dilation, the curvature of spacetime, and the interplay between time and the quantum realm.
February 18, 2020
A very pleasant science book for noon scientists.
I really enjoyed it.
I'm aware of latest science advance, without being a scientist myself. Meaning that i get the ideas, and i can understand new concepts if enough explained. Calculations are not for me.
I do not agree with the many universe interpretations, but i still elbowed the book.
There are not many books about the conceot of time. Actually this is the only one i could find. Excepting Einstein
I really enjoyed it.
I'm aware of latest science advance, without being a scientist myself. Meaning that i get the ideas, and i can understand new concepts if enough explained. Calculations are not for me.
I do not agree with the many universe interpretations, but i still elbowed the book.
There are not many books about the conceot of time. Actually this is the only one i could find. Excepting Einstein
April 20, 2020
A well written book on the concept of time as it has developed, with a special emphasis on Einstein's space-time and relativity theory. Another plus for this work is that it is philosophically literate - a very rare attribute for scientists who often just don't get philosophy or are so consumed by arrogance as to believe they can make it up as they go along, something they would never do in their scientific work. A very thoughtful book as has become a Paul Davies standard.
October 12, 2017
Probably more of a 3.5. Although it is a bit dated, I found this book quite interesting, and it helped me understand Einstein's Theory of Relativity and it's relation to perceptions of time (as well as other theories and operations). I must admit, however, that the last third of the book lost me. I imagine that is more my fault than the authors.
June 11, 2021
A very deep and interesting book. If you have an interest in what makes the world go 'round... and the universe, give it a looksee. It's not very technical, and the author has a wonderful writing style and sense of humor.
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October 28, 2023It is not an easy read (for me) but was an amazing book to read. If you want to think more about time and relativity and are not able to read Ph.D. level papers on the subject, I would suggest this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2017
There were a few interesting parts, but I felt that it was not worth the time I spent with it.
October 5, 2017
An excellent book that we all should read because everyone of us are affected by time. Knowing time should be made a necessity.
December 18, 2018
Does a very good job of explaining arcane concepts in everyday language and high school math.
January 8, 2019
Great book, a really fascinating insight into the differing concepts of time. It leaves you with even more questions than answers, but that’s a good thing!
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