Why Does the World Exist?

By Jim Holt,

Book cover of Why Does the World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story

Book description

Tackling the "darkest question in all of philosophy" with "raffish erudition" (Dwight Garner, New York Times), author Jim Holt explores the greatest metaphysical mystery of all: why is there something rather than nothing? This runaway bestseller, which has captured the imagination of critics and the public alike, traces our latest…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Why Does the World Exist? as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In this philosophical page-turner, Jim Holt seems to grab every major scientist and thinker he can find by the collar to make them face down arguably the most fundamental question of all: why there is something instead of nothing.

Whether talking to string theorists or experts on German existentialism, Holt keeps the tone as light as the questions are profound. In an added treat, the reader gets a real sense of the people behind some of the most creative minds on the planet. 

From William's list on the ultimate nature of reality.

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