Anaximander

And the Birth of Science

By: Carlo Rovelli

Narrated by: Roy McMillan

The bestselling author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics illuminates the nature of science through the revolutionary ideas of the Greek philosopher Anaximander

Over two millennia ago, the prescient insights of Anaximander paved the way for cosmology, physics, geography, meteorology, and biology, setting in motion a new way of seeing the world. His legacy includes the revolutionary ideas that the Earth floats in a void, that animals evolved, that the world can be understood in natural rather than supernatural terms, and that universal laws govern all phenomena. He introduced a new mode of rational thinking with an openness to uncertainty and the progress of knowledge.

In this elegant work, the renowned theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli brings to light the importance of Anaximander’s overlooked influence on modern science. He examines Anaximander not from the point of view of a historian or as an expert in Greek philosophy, but as a scientist interested in the deep nature of scientific thinking, which Rovelli locates in the critical and rebellious ability to reimagine the world again and again. Anaximander celebrates the radical lack of certainty that defines the scientific quest for knowledge.


* This audiobook ncludes a downloadable PDF of maps, landmarks, artifacts, and some of the earliest antiquities found and documented from ancient times.

Critic reviews

Praise for Anaximander:

“Solid insights into the foundations of science...as usual, Rovelli communicates his ideas with clarity and verve.” —Kirkus

“An insightful survey of the scientific contributions of Greek philosopher Anaximander...Rovelli makes the most of the available evidence in building his case that the philosopher’s emphasis on natural causes marked a sea change in human thought. This is a masterful overview of a pivotal figure in scientific history.” —Publisher's Weekly

"As Rovelli’s fans will expect, this book is excellent. It is never less than engaging, and enviably compendious." —The Telegraph (UK)

“Books discovered in drawers by publishers should often have been left there...Anaximander?... Shouldn’t he stay in the dusty cabinet too? Absolutely not: Anaximander is a delight and so is this book” —Sunday Times (UK)

"A celebration of the scientific spirit of inquiry and the remarkable achievements of one man more than 2,500 years ago." —Times Literary Supplement (UK)

“A bold and persuasive case that this ancient Greek philosopher scientist was… the founder of critical thinking.” —Adam Rutherford, Start the Week

“What [Rovelli] has to say about the Greek philosopher Anaximander from the 6th century BC is fascinating… by the end of the book I was convinced.” —Popular Science

Carlo Genius Rovelli

Modern-day sage and master for humanity! I always enjoy everything from Mr Rovelli.
Thank you so much, Roy McMillan, for the great performance!

Another great book from Rovelli

If you move Carlo Rovelli as I do you will love this book. Roy Mcian great as always

really good..but

..perhaps 2 chapters too long.
No doubt Rovelli is a brilliant man, and keep in mind History of Science is his side gig!
The first 6 chapters are great stuff and well worth the listen; i'd never heard of Anax'r and his legacy.
He next covers the definition and practice of Science, contrasting Eaatern and Western approaches.
But the last few chapters veer off into speculation about ancient, literally prehistoric times and somewhat longwinded coverage of the religious/secular tension.

Clear and reasoned. The origin of our modern worldview.

Read it, you won't regret the time spent learning from the brilliant and insightful mind behind these words.

Anaximander

A Brilliant, beautiful, thought- provoking and deeply moving exposition. Carlo Rovelli takes us through a journey into the origins of the greatest contribution Western thinking has given to Humanity. Strongly recommended.