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  • The Beginning of Infinity

  • Explanations That Transform the World
  • By: David Deutsch
  • Narrated by: Walter Dixon
  • Length: 20 hrs
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (264 ratings)

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The Beginning of Infinity

By: David Deutsch
Narrated by: Walter Dixon
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Summary

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. They have unlimited scope and power to cause change, and the quest to improve them is the basic regulating principle not only of science but of all successful human endeavor. This stream of ever improving explanations has infinite reach, according to Deutsch: we are subject only to the laws of physics, and they impose no upper boundary to what we can eventually understand, control, and achieve. In his previous book, The Fabric of Reality, Deutsch describe the four deepest strands of existing knowledge-the theories of evolution, quantum physics, knowledge, and computation-arguing jointly they reveal a unified fabric of reality. In this new book, he applies that worldview to a wide range of issues and unsolved problems, from creativity and free will to the origin and future of the human species.

Filled with startling new conclusions about human choice, optimism, scientific explanation, and the evolution of culture, The Beginning of Infinity is a groundbreaking audio book that will become a classic of its kind.

©2011 David Deutsch (P)2011 Gildan Media Corp
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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Critic reviews

“Provocative and persuasive…Mr. Deutsch’s previous tome, The Fabric of Reality, took a broad-ranging sweep… The Beginning of Infinity is equally bold, addressing subjects from artificial intelligence to the evolution of culture and of creativity; its conclusions are just as profound." ( The Economist)

What listeners say about The Beginning of Infinity

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Fantastic

This book (specifically the notions of universal problem solving) genuinely made me see humans in a different light, and the physics side made me want to read his other book straight after. Bonus - the narrator sounds like Brent Spiner.

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Eye opening

Wish they'd taught this in my Physics degree uni, we need to hear what is so obviously being said by the Universe

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A great reflection on everything

Interesting and easy to follow, very good points still relevant for a book that’s getting a bit older.

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A ridiculous (but awesome) book

Ridiculous because the topics covered are immense. Expect: physics, philosophy, history, computer science, creativity, political science, and evolution,

Awesome because: the same reasons as above.

A very creative book. And very convincing at times. Some parts are very accessible. Others are complicated. But this is the kind of book that will probably be valuable in 100 years, if not more. I look forward to reading it again in the future. Simply put, this is a book for multiple readings and I highly recommend it.

Ridiculous. But awesome

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A mind blowing journey through all that matters.

I'm an avid reader with eclectic tastes, this book scratched every itch. Not only is the length and breath of this book astounding, it is accessible to the I initiated and uninitiated alike.
if your flavour is Physics and the other major sciences, this book has you covered. Political commentary and classical history your thing? No problem. Philosophy and historically accurate annictdotes abound, as this book hops, skips and jumps from one awesome and relevant topic to the next, there is so much incredible material, I couldn't possibly do it justice with a short review.
put simply, you must listen to this book, you won't regret it.

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It expanded my mind for sure.

I think everyone who want to have a rational mind should listen to this book to develop a better mental model. A valuable book. One of a kind.

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Just wow: a must-read

what a mind this guy has got. such insight. a feast for the curious and for anyone with a sense of wonder.

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Knowing you know very little is the first step.

It's a great book to revisit maths and science to show you how little we know when we know so much.

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Essential for people not just physicists.

Amazingly well written and logical guide to the past, present, and future of explanation, and knowledge. Don't read another book without it. Listen and then listen again.

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The Best Book I’ve Ever Read

This book changed my life; I’m an avid reader/listener and this is by far and away my favourite book of all time. I strongly recommend it to anyone with the least interest in science and the meaning of life/the nature of reality.

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