Spirituality, Mind-Body, Gender, Ecology, Ageing, Peace, Scrapbook (in English and Korean)
2021/09/29
How to Age Gracefully - NYT “Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old,”
How to Age Gracefully - The New York Times
How to Age Gracefully
Inspired by a new book, “Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old,” I’m taking stock of my life and deciding what I need to reconsider.
Credit...Gracia Lam
By Jane E. Brody
Sept. 13, 2021
Leer en español
The day after my 80th birthday, which overflowed with good wishes, surprises and Covid-safe celebrations, I awoke feeling fulfilled and thinking that whatever happens going forward, I’m OK with it. My life has been rewarding, my bucket list is empty, my family is thriving, and if everything ends tomorrow, so be it.
Not that I expect to do anything to hasten my demise. I will continue to exercise regularly, eat healthfully and strive to minimize stress. But I’m also now taking stock of the many common hallmarks of aging and deciding what I need to reconsider.
I found considerable inspiration and guidance in a new book, “Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old,” by Steven Petrow, written with Roseann Foley Henry. Mr. Petrow, who is also a columnist but is nearly two decades younger than I, began thinking ahead after watching the missteps of his aging parents, like waiting too long to get hearing aids.
===
I took a similar inventory of my life and started at the top, with my hair. I’d been coloring it for decades, lighter and lighter as I got older. But I noticed that during the pandemic, many people (men as well as women of all ages) had stopped covering their gray. And they looked just fine, sometimes better than they did with hair dyed dark above a wrinkled facade. Today, I too am gray and loving it, although I can no longer blame my dog for the white hairs on the couch!
I’ve also resisted the common temptation to cover up other cosmetic issues. I now rarely use makeup, and my usual summer costume remains short-shorts and tank tops. Wrinkles be damned. I’m proud to have them.
Sign up for the Well newsletter, for Times subscribers only. Essential news on health, fitness and nutrition, from Tara Parker-Pope. Get it in your inbox.
But I will continue to be irritated by bad grammar, like the sentence recently in this newspaper that ended … “to we mortals,” and correct misuse of the language whenever I can.
And I will stubbornly resist altering my habits to avert potential tragedies that others foresee. I walk my dog in the woods over slippery rocks, roots and fallen logs so I can enjoy his fearless energy and athleticism and improve my own balance and self-confidence. The doctor who monitors my bone health ends every consult with an order, “Do not fall,” and the treacherous woods walk is part of my response. As Mr. Petrow emphasized, fear of falling “can actually lead to more falls” by making you unduly anxious, hesitant and focused on your feet instead of what’s in front of you.
My kitchen was built for a five-foot-tall cook who, thanks to scoliosis and shrinkage, is now several inches shorter. That means I often climb to reach items that I can’t store on a lower shelf. But I always use a sturdy stepstool, unlike a 78-year-old friend who foolishly climbed on a chair (a big no-no), fell and injured his back.
When I asked a woman my age how she was feeling, she said, “I have issues,” and I said, “We all have issues. The secret to successful aging is to recognize one’s issues and adapt accordingly.” I’m constantly learning what I can and can’t do and asking or paying for help when needed.
Sooner or later, we all must recognize what is no longer possible and find alternatives. Years ago, body mechanics forced me to give up tennis and ice skating and now strenuous gardening. I continue to do 10-mile bike rides several times a week in good weather, but two-week cycling trips up and down hills are now history.
A dear friend in her 90s is my role model and serves as a reality check. When I asked if she’d accompany me on a trip abroad, she said, “Thanks, but I’m no longer up to the level of activity it involves.”
I’ve vowed to stop talking to whoever will listen about my aches, pains and ailments, what Mr. Petrow called the “organ recital.” It doesn’t provide relief — in fact, it might even make the pain worse. Rather than instill empathy, the “organ recital” likely turns most people off, especially young ones.
And I do cherish my young friends who keep me youthful in spirit and focused on issues important to my children and grandchildren and the world they will inherit. They, in turn, say they value the information and wisdom I can offer.
I also strive to say something flattering or cheerful to a stranger every day. It brightens both of our lives and helps me focus on the beauty around me. But my most valuable advice: Live each day as if it’s your last, with an eye on the future in case it’s not, a lesson I learned as a teen when my mother died of cancer at 49. Her death inured me to catastrophic loss, which I handle better than little ones.
The stickiest wicket going forward will be driving. When I was in my mid-70s, my sons started urging me to stop driving simply based on my age. I hadn’t had any accidents or even almost-accidents or gotten a ticket for a moving violation. Still, they upped my liability insurance (OK, I said, if it makes you feel better). And, to get them off my back, I gave up my 10-year-old minivan and I replaced it with one of the safest cars on the road, a Subaru Outback.
Like many other cars now on the market, the Subaru has several protective bells and whistles that compensate for the declining senses and slower reactions that accompany aging. It warns me when there’s a car, bicycle or pedestrian approaching when I’m backing out of a parking spot. It stops dead when anything suddenly appears or stops in front of me. If I should turn my head to see something, it flashes “Keep Eyes on Road.”
I’m also beginning to tackle another burdensome issue especially common among those who have lived long in one place: clutter. I have a latent fear of “running out” of things and so I chronically buy and save more than enough of everything. My late husband called our house an air raid shelter that could sustain us for a year. I’m also terrible at parting with objects that may one day be useful. He told me I reminded him of an elderly woman he knew who kept pieces of string “too small to use.” I’m taking his advice to heart. Wish me luck.
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Things I’ll Do Differently When I’m Old
Dec. 5, 2017
Jane Brody is the Personal Health columnist, a position she has held since 1976. She has written more than a dozen books including the best sellers “Jane Brody’s Nutrition Book” and “Jane Brody’s Good Food Book.”
A version of this article appears in print on Sept. 14, 2021, Se
How to Age Gracefully
Inspired by a new book, “Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old,” I’m taking stock of my life and deciding what I need to reconsider.
Credit...Gracia LamBy Jane E. Brody
Sept. 13, 2021
Leer en español
The day after my 80th birthday, which overflowed with good wishes, surprises and Covid-safe celebrations, I awoke feeling fulfilled and thinking that whatever happens going forward, I’m OK with it. My life has been rewarding, my bucket list is empty, my family is thriving, and if everything ends tomorrow, so be it.
Not that I expect to do anything to hasten my demise. I will continue to exercise regularly, eat healthfully and strive to minimize stress. But I’m also now taking stock of the many common hallmarks of aging and deciding what I need to reconsider.
I found considerable inspiration and guidance in a new book, “Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old,” by Steven Petrow, written with Roseann Foley Henry. Mr. Petrow, who is also a columnist but is nearly two decades younger than I, began thinking ahead after watching the missteps of his aging parents, like waiting too long to get hearing aids.
===
I took a similar inventory of my life and started at the top, with my hair. I’d been coloring it for decades, lighter and lighter as I got older. But I noticed that during the pandemic, many people (men as well as women of all ages) had stopped covering their gray. And they looked just fine, sometimes better than they did with hair dyed dark above a wrinkled facade. Today, I too am gray and loving it, although I can no longer blame my dog for the white hairs on the couch!
I’ve also resisted the common temptation to cover up other cosmetic issues. I now rarely use makeup, and my usual summer costume remains short-shorts and tank tops. Wrinkles be damned. I’m proud to have them.
Sign up for the Well newsletter, for Times subscribers only. Essential news on health, fitness and nutrition, from Tara Parker-Pope. Get it in your inbox.
But I will continue to be irritated by bad grammar, like the sentence recently in this newspaper that ended … “to we mortals,” and correct misuse of the language whenever I can.
And I will stubbornly resist altering my habits to avert potential tragedies that others foresee. I walk my dog in the woods over slippery rocks, roots and fallen logs so I can enjoy his fearless energy and athleticism and improve my own balance and self-confidence. The doctor who monitors my bone health ends every consult with an order, “Do not fall,” and the treacherous woods walk is part of my response. As Mr. Petrow emphasized, fear of falling “can actually lead to more falls” by making you unduly anxious, hesitant and focused on your feet instead of what’s in front of you.
My kitchen was built for a five-foot-tall cook who, thanks to scoliosis and shrinkage, is now several inches shorter. That means I often climb to reach items that I can’t store on a lower shelf. But I always use a sturdy stepstool, unlike a 78-year-old friend who foolishly climbed on a chair (a big no-no), fell and injured his back.
When I asked a woman my age how she was feeling, she said, “I have issues,” and I said, “We all have issues. The secret to successful aging is to recognize one’s issues and adapt accordingly.” I’m constantly learning what I can and can’t do and asking or paying for help when needed.
Sooner or later, we all must recognize what is no longer possible and find alternatives. Years ago, body mechanics forced me to give up tennis and ice skating and now strenuous gardening. I continue to do 10-mile bike rides several times a week in good weather, but two-week cycling trips up and down hills are now history.
A dear friend in her 90s is my role model and serves as a reality check. When I asked if she’d accompany me on a trip abroad, she said, “Thanks, but I’m no longer up to the level of activity it involves.”
I’ve vowed to stop talking to whoever will listen about my aches, pains and ailments, what Mr. Petrow called the “organ recital.” It doesn’t provide relief — in fact, it might even make the pain worse. Rather than instill empathy, the “organ recital” likely turns most people off, especially young ones.
And I do cherish my young friends who keep me youthful in spirit and focused on issues important to my children and grandchildren and the world they will inherit. They, in turn, say they value the information and wisdom I can offer.
I also strive to say something flattering or cheerful to a stranger every day. It brightens both of our lives and helps me focus on the beauty around me. But my most valuable advice: Live each day as if it’s your last, with an eye on the future in case it’s not, a lesson I learned as a teen when my mother died of cancer at 49. Her death inured me to catastrophic loss, which I handle better than little ones.
The stickiest wicket going forward will be driving. When I was in my mid-70s, my sons started urging me to stop driving simply based on my age. I hadn’t had any accidents or even almost-accidents or gotten a ticket for a moving violation. Still, they upped my liability insurance (OK, I said, if it makes you feel better). And, to get them off my back, I gave up my 10-year-old minivan and I replaced it with one of the safest cars on the road, a Subaru Outback.
Like many other cars now on the market, the Subaru has several protective bells and whistles that compensate for the declining senses and slower reactions that accompany aging. It warns me when there’s a car, bicycle or pedestrian approaching when I’m backing out of a parking spot. It stops dead when anything suddenly appears or stops in front of me. If I should turn my head to see something, it flashes “Keep Eyes on Road.”
I’m also beginning to tackle another burdensome issue especially common among those who have lived long in one place: clutter. I have a latent fear of “running out” of things and so I chronically buy and save more than enough of everything. My late husband called our house an air raid shelter that could sustain us for a year. I’m also terrible at parting with objects that may one day be useful. He told me I reminded him of an elderly woman he knew who kept pieces of string “too small to use.” I’m taking his advice to heart. Wish me luck.
Things I’ll Do Differently When I’m Old
Dec. 5, 2017
Jane Brody is the Personal Health columnist, a position she has held since 1976. She has written more than a dozen books including the best sellers “Jane Brody’s Nutrition Book” and “Jane Brody’s Good Food Book.”
A version of this article appears in print on Sept. 14, 2021, Se
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Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old: A Highly Judgmental, Unapologetically Honest Accounting of All the Things Our Elders Are Doing Wrong Kindle Edition
by Steven Petrow (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 143 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Aging Parents
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==
For fans of David Sedaris and Nora Ephron, here is a humorous, irreverent, and poignant look at the gifts, stereotypes, and inevitable challenges of aging, based on the wildly popular New York Times essay from award-winning journalist Steven Petrow.
Soon after his 50th birthday, Steven Petrow began assembling a list of “things I won’t do when I get old”—mostly a catalog of all the things he thought his then 70-something year old parents were doing wrong. That list, which included “You won’t have to shout at me that I’m deaf,” and “I won’t blame the family dog for my incontinence,” became the basis of this rousing collection of do’s and don’ts, wills and won’ts that is equal parts hilarious, honest, and practical.
The fact is, we don’t want to age the way previous generations did. “Old people” hoard. They bore relatives—and strangers—with tales of their aches and pains. They insist on driving long after they’ve become a danger to others (and themselves). They eat dinner at 4pm. They swear they don’t need a cane or walker (and guess what happens next). They never, ever apologize. But there is another way . . .
In Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old, Petrow candidly addresses the fears, frustrations, and stereotypes that accompany aging. He offers a blueprint for the new old age, and an understanding that aging and illness are not the same. As he writes, “I meant the list to serve as a pointed reminder—to me—to make different choices when I eventually cross the threshold to ‘old.’”
Getting older is a privilege. This essential guide reveals how to do it with grace, wisdom, humor, and hope. And without hoarding.
===
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Petrow can’t prevent you from becoming your parents, but he can remind you how a positive attitude, gratitude, patience, and compassion can make a big difference.”
—Booklist
“Unbelievably witty and relatable, I alternated bursting into laughter and placing my hand over my face in horror thinking, Oh my God, is that me? I often say, at this age we have something young people can never have… wisdom. My dear friend, Steven Petrow, has wisdom to share in this honest, funny, wry guide to keep us young at heart, without desperately hanging onto our youth. I am buying this book for all of my friends!”
—Suzanne Somers, New York Times bestselling author of A New Way to Age
“Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old is an irreverent, funny, honest look at aging and all the things we take for granted as normal parts of aging. They don’t need to be. If you struggle with getting older and want to find a fresh perspective on lessons learned about what NOT to do as we age, and what TO do to stay young in heart, spirit, mind and body, read this book.”
—Mark Hyman, MD, #1 New York Times bestseller author of The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet, and Head of Strategy and Innovation at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine
“Steven Petrow resolved to do things differently than his parents had when he gets old because he wished they’d been able to enjoy life more. His solution? He created a list! In this book, he shares the secrets to living a full life regardless of our age. It's all about the decisions we make every day. My advice in a nutshell: Read this book and keep it handy.”
—“Dear Abby” (Jeanne Phillips), nationally syndicated advice columnist
“It’s never too early to imagine what your life will look like as you age. And as I once wrote, ‘We are not hostages to our fate.’ Petrow’s book will help you plan, think, and redefine what it means to get older – and even laugh while doing it.
—Andrew Weil, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Spontaneous Healing and Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being
“Steven Petrow not only has a great attitude about life, he is wise about how to live it. Like me, he says we should embrace our one life 100% and not let a number—our age—get in the way of anything! Steven’s book will help you rethink the word “aging” and approach this next chapter with a positive and proactive attitude. Plus, this book is fun!”
—Denise Austin, renowned fitness expert, author, and columnist
Steven’s writing feels like sitting with a friend—one who is unusually gracious, warm and frank.
—Carolyn Hax, author of the nationally syndicated advice column, Carolyn Hax
"Getting old may be inevitable. But getting old with wit, wisdom, energy, irony, strength, irreverence and an I-dare-you wink is possible. Want to know how? Read the brilliant Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old. You'll never look at aging quite the same way."
—Jeffrey Kluger, co-author of Apollo 13
About the Author
Steven Petrow is an award-winning journalist and author best known for his Washington Post and New York Times essays on aging, health, and civility. He’s currently an opinion columnist covering manners and civil discourse for USA Today, and his 2019 TED Talk, “3 Ways to Practice Civility” has been viewed nearly two million times and translated into 16 languages. Formerly the host and executive producer of "The Civilist," a podcast from Public Radio International and North Carolina Public Radio WUNC, Steven regularly appears on television and radio. He's the author of six books, including Steven Petrow’s Complete Gay & Lesbian Manners and Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old. A former president of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists, Steven is the recipient of numerous awards and grants, including those from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Smithsonian Institution, the Ucross Foundation, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the National Press Foundation. In 2017, he became the named sponsor of the Steven Petrow LGBTQ Fellowship at the VCCA, a prize that is awarded annually. Steven lives in Hillsborough, N.C. with his cocker spaniel, Binx Bolling. Please visit him online at StevenPetrow.com. --This text refers to the hardcover edition.
Product details
ASIN : B08KL58Q4X
Publisher : Citadel Press (June 29, 2021)
Publication date : June 29, 2021
Print length : 274 pages
=====
Customer Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars 143 ratings
Steven Petrow
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Biography
Steven Petrow is an award-winning journalist and book author who is best known for his Washington Post and New York Times essays on aging, health, and civility. He’s also an opinion columnist for USA Today, where he writes about civil discourse and manners. Steven's 2019 TED Talk, “3 Ways to Practice Civility” has been viewed more than 1.8 million times and translated into 13 languages.The most recent of his five books is Steven Petrow’s Complete Gay & Lesbian Manners. His next book, Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I’m Old, will be published in 2021. You’re likely to hear Steven when you turn on NPR’s “All Things Considered Weekend,” or one of your favorite — or least favorite — TV networks. Steven also served as the host and executive producer of "The Civilist," a podcast from Public Radio International and North Carolina Public Radio WUNC.
Top reviews from the United States
Achim Nowak
5.0 out of 5 stars A poignant page-turner
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was a hard-to-put-down book for me. Steven Petrow travels the landscape of aging dilemmas with humor and a lot of compassion. So relevant for me at my current age - 65 - and my relationship with my 96-year-old mom. The nugget-size chunks of writing made this a perfect poolside read. Highly recommended!
16 people found this helpful
==
AMKZN
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2021
Verified Purchase
Petrow has a way with words. This book is a humorous easy read that will fill your soul with all of the things. His life wisdom is delivered in such a lighthearted and fun way. Love this book!
Customer image
13 people found this helpful
==
AFWG1979
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2021
Verified Purchase
Just got through first 50 pages, and so glad I decided to purchase (versus library). Everyone should read this! Very fluid writing style. Funny stuff (Alexa). I’m 67 and absorbing it all! When I get to the end, I’ll add to this review…..
10 people found this helpful
==
cgilbert
5.0 out of 5 stars Steven Petrow Nailed It
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
He really know so much about aging. As an 82-year old I read it to see if I was doing okay. I am! I want not only my age mates to check in, but their children who are likely to be in their 50s or 60s. His list is spot on.
9 people found this helpful
==
Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Rewrite of a journalist
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2021
Verified Purchase
Like most list of AARP it is accurate and concise. The list are made meaningful by stories of his own family. The title is the best thing about the book.
8 people found this helpful
==
Nancy F
5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to put the book down
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
I watched a live interview on Tuesday with Steven and Denise Austin on FB. This is how I found out about the book. I ordered Tuesday and received yesterday and cannot put the book down, I am already half way through as of yesterday. Cannot wait to finish reading today!
11 people found this helpful
==
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Laughter + Tears + Genuine Utility = Wonderful Read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
This book is a wonderfully written collection of 40+ short chapters of insight and reflection on the author's experience with his friends and family as they navigated their golden years. I laughed often and cried for the first time in probably two years as I connected the stories to my own life. This book is absolutely entertaining, authentic and useful - I will be sending it to several people!
Steven - Please consider writing a book about "Stupid Things I Wish I Had Not Done When I Was Young"
Thank you in advance!
6 people found this helpful
==
T. Samoska
1.0 out of 5 stars Don't waste your money. Complete garbage.
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
Nothing in this added to my pleasure or my knowledge.
4 people found this helpful
===
World's Smartest Countries
World's Smartest Countries
World's Smartest Countries
Home Guides
World's Smartest Countries
Time's up. Pencils down. Hand your papers in. It's time to tot up the scores and find out which is the brainiest nation once and for all.
The human race is pretty damn smart. Together, we’ve come up with nuclear fusion; the ability to travel through space and those pillows that are in the shape of another person so it feels like you’re being hugged. Yep, we’ve got lots to be proud of as a species.
But have you ever lain awake at night wondering which is the cleverest country? Perhaps you’ve run into a brainy Brazilian, a genius Ghanaian or a super smart Swiss and wondered which country has the most intelligent people.
Well, we at Vouchercloud now have the definitive answer: the end to this argument in the pub and probably the start of a few more. Using a range of data including number of Nobel Prizes won (to represent historic intelligence), current average IQ (to represent present intelligence), and educational attainment (the intelligence of the future generation); we’ve covered every area possible to find the most gifted population.
So it’s our great pleasure to announce the overall winner: Japan. Consistently totalling high scores across all three categories, Japan’s Nobel Prize prowess matches its IQ score and pupil points, too. This makes sense in a country with a strong tradition of innovation and a huge emphasis on education — the land of the bullet train and the square watermelon comes out on top.
Rounding out the top 3 is consistently high-performing Switzerland in 2nd and China in 3rd. China, whilst lagging behind in the Nobel rankings, more than makes up for it with the 2nd highest national IQ and the 7th highest performing school kids.
In perhaps a sign of things to come, the US trails China in 4th, with the top Nobel ranking but a poorer showing in IQ (28th) and school achievement (13th). The UK makes the top 10 in a respectable 8th, but we shouldn’t be too complacent — whilst we have the 2nd highest number of Nobel Prizes, our IQ (17th) and school (30th) scores let us down.
What’s really telling is how incredibly well East Asian countries score in the IQ and school tests. South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore are all in the top 4 for both, but let down by Nobel scores that drag them to 10th and below overall. With a few more Nobel wins in the future, they’ll be on top for sure.
Nobel Prizes
Western countries tend to dominate here, the Nobel being a Western institution and all. Only Japan (6th), Israel (15th), India (18th), South Africa (18th) and China (21st) fall outside of this bracket. Expect radical shifts as Asia catches up in the coming years.
Ranking Country Number of Nobel Prizes
1 USA 368
2 UK 132
3 Germany 107
4 France 62
5 Sweden 30
6 Japan 26
6 Switzerland 26
8 Russia 23
8 Canada 23
10 Austria 21
11 Netherlands 20
11 Italy 20
13 Denmark 14
14 Norway 13
15 Australia 12
15 Poland 12
15 Israel 12
18 Belgium 10
18 India 10
18 South Africa 10
21 China 9
21 Hungary 9
23 Spain 8
24 Ireland 7
25 Czech Republic 5
25 Argentina 5
National IQ
Look at the top 6 countries! All Asian. The first entry from a non-Asian country, Finland, is over 3 points behind. Plenty of the usual suspects here but props to Liechtenstein (10th) and Mongolia (12th) for outperforming all expectations.
Ranking Country Average IQ
1 Singapore 107.1
2 China 105.8
3 Hong Kong 105.7
4 South Korea 104.6
4 Taiwan 104.6
6 Japan 104.2
7 Finland 100.9
8 Canada 100.4
8 Netherlands 100.4
10 Liechtenstein 100.3
11 Switzerland 100.2
12 Mongolia 100
13 Macao 99.9
14 Estonia 99.4
15 Belgium 99.3
16 Australia 99.2
17 UK 99.1
18 Austria 99
19 Czech Republic 98.9
19 New Zealand 98.9
21 Germany 98.8
22 Sweden 98.6
22 Iceland 98.6
24 France 98.1
24 Hungary 98.1
School Achievement
Children are the future and it's clear the future belongs to the 4-letter continent, with the top 5 countries being Asian. It's clear this represents a major shift in global intellectual power: as time goes by, we're going to see proportionally more innovation from the East, with Western ideas not dominating as they have done before.
Russia represents Europe in 6th whilst its neighbour Kazakhstan, hitherto famous only for Borat and being annexed by the Soviet Union, smashes expectations with the 9th smartest schoolchildren in the world. Could this be the rise of a new intellectual superpower? ALL HAIL THE KAZAKHS.
Ranking Country % of Students Achieving Advanced Scores
1 Singapore 71.37
2 South Korea 66.85
3 Hong Kong 66.66
4 Taiwan 63.21
5 Japan 58.01
6 Russia 38.46
7 China 38.27
8 Macao 37.02
9 Kazakhstan 32.64
10 Liechtenstein 32.06
11 Switzerland 31.93
12 Ireland 30.03
13 US 29.84
14 Hungary 29.40
15 Israel 29.19
16 Belgium 28.76
17 Estonia 27.97
18 Denmark 27.51
18 Portugal 27.51
20 Norway 27.49
21 Poland 26.83
22 Lithuania 25.47
23 Finland 25.29
24 Netherlands 25.15
25 Cyprus 25.02
Notes on the Data
Our Nobel Prize Winners were compiled from World Atlas, whilst global IQ scores were obtained from a 2012 sociological study by Lynn & Vanhanen, and our school pupil scores come from a 2015 study from Our World in Data.
Get Smart
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World's Smartest Countries
Home Guides
World's Smartest Countries
Time's up. Pencils down. Hand your papers in. It's time to tot up the scores and find out which is the brainiest nation once and for all.
The human race is pretty damn smart. Together, we’ve come up with nuclear fusion; the ability to travel through space and those pillows that are in the shape of another person so it feels like you’re being hugged. Yep, we’ve got lots to be proud of as a species.
But have you ever lain awake at night wondering which is the cleverest country? Perhaps you’ve run into a brainy Brazilian, a genius Ghanaian or a super smart Swiss and wondered which country has the most intelligent people.
Well, we at Vouchercloud now have the definitive answer: the end to this argument in the pub and probably the start of a few more. Using a range of data including number of Nobel Prizes won (to represent historic intelligence), current average IQ (to represent present intelligence), and educational attainment (the intelligence of the future generation); we’ve covered every area possible to find the most gifted population.
So it’s our great pleasure to announce the overall winner: Japan. Consistently totalling high scores across all three categories, Japan’s Nobel Prize prowess matches its IQ score and pupil points, too. This makes sense in a country with a strong tradition of innovation and a huge emphasis on education — the land of the bullet train and the square watermelon comes out on top.
Rounding out the top 3 is consistently high-performing Switzerland in 2nd and China in 3rd. China, whilst lagging behind in the Nobel rankings, more than makes up for it with the 2nd highest national IQ and the 7th highest performing school kids.
In perhaps a sign of things to come, the US trails China in 4th, with the top Nobel ranking but a poorer showing in IQ (28th) and school achievement (13th). The UK makes the top 10 in a respectable 8th, but we shouldn’t be too complacent — whilst we have the 2nd highest number of Nobel Prizes, our IQ (17th) and school (30th) scores let us down.
What’s really telling is how incredibly well East Asian countries score in the IQ and school tests. South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore are all in the top 4 for both, but let down by Nobel scores that drag them to 10th and below overall. With a few more Nobel wins in the future, they’ll be on top for sure.
Nobel Prizes
Western countries tend to dominate here, the Nobel being a Western institution and all. Only Japan (6th), Israel (15th), India (18th), South Africa (18th) and China (21st) fall outside of this bracket. Expect radical shifts as Asia catches up in the coming years.
Ranking Country Number of Nobel Prizes
1 USA 368
2 UK 132
3 Germany 107
4 France 62
5 Sweden 30
6 Japan 26
6 Switzerland 26
8 Russia 23
8 Canada 23
10 Austria 21
11 Netherlands 20
11 Italy 20
13 Denmark 14
14 Norway 13
15 Australia 12
15 Poland 12
15 Israel 12
18 Belgium 10
18 India 10
18 South Africa 10
21 China 9
21 Hungary 9
23 Spain 8
24 Ireland 7
25 Czech Republic 5
25 Argentina 5
National IQ
Look at the top 6 countries! All Asian. The first entry from a non-Asian country, Finland, is over 3 points behind. Plenty of the usual suspects here but props to Liechtenstein (10th) and Mongolia (12th) for outperforming all expectations.
Ranking Country Average IQ
1 Singapore 107.1
2 China 105.8
3 Hong Kong 105.7
4 South Korea 104.6
4 Taiwan 104.6
6 Japan 104.2
7 Finland 100.9
8 Canada 100.4
8 Netherlands 100.4
10 Liechtenstein 100.3
11 Switzerland 100.2
12 Mongolia 100
13 Macao 99.9
14 Estonia 99.4
15 Belgium 99.3
16 Australia 99.2
17 UK 99.1
18 Austria 99
19 Czech Republic 98.9
19 New Zealand 98.9
21 Germany 98.8
22 Sweden 98.6
22 Iceland 98.6
24 France 98.1
24 Hungary 98.1
School Achievement
Children are the future and it's clear the future belongs to the 4-letter continent, with the top 5 countries being Asian. It's clear this represents a major shift in global intellectual power: as time goes by, we're going to see proportionally more innovation from the East, with Western ideas not dominating as they have done before.
Russia represents Europe in 6th whilst its neighbour Kazakhstan, hitherto famous only for Borat and being annexed by the Soviet Union, smashes expectations with the 9th smartest schoolchildren in the world. Could this be the rise of a new intellectual superpower? ALL HAIL THE KAZAKHS.
Ranking Country % of Students Achieving Advanced Scores
1 Singapore 71.37
2 South Korea 66.85
3 Hong Kong 66.66
4 Taiwan 63.21
5 Japan 58.01
6 Russia 38.46
7 China 38.27
8 Macao 37.02
9 Kazakhstan 32.64
10 Liechtenstein 32.06
11 Switzerland 31.93
12 Ireland 30.03
13 US 29.84
14 Hungary 29.40
15 Israel 29.19
16 Belgium 28.76
17 Estonia 27.97
18 Denmark 27.51
18 Portugal 27.51
20 Norway 27.49
21 Poland 26.83
22 Lithuania 25.47
23 Finland 25.29
24 Netherlands 25.15
25 Cyprus 25.02
Notes on the Data
Our Nobel Prize Winners were compiled from World Atlas, whilst global IQ scores were obtained from a 2012 sociological study by Lynn & Vanhanen, and our school pupil scores come from a 2015 study from Our World in Data.
Get Smart
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"예수의 기적? 우리가 증명 못한다 해서 '아니'라 말 못한다" : 교회일반 : 기독일보
"예수의 기적? 우리가 증명 못한다 해서 '아니'라 말 못한다" : 교회일반 : 기독일보
"예수의 기적? 우리가 증명 못한다 해서 '아니'라 말 못한다"
제1회 '과학과신학의대화' 콜로퀴움, 서울대 지구과학교육과 최승언 교수 강연
기독일보 조은식 기자(press@cdaily.co.kr)
제1회 과신대 콜로키움에서 최승언 교수(서울대)가 강연하고 있다. ©조은식 기자
[기독일보 조은식 기자] 제1회 '과학과 신학의 대화'(이하 과신대) 콜로퀴움이 2일 저녁 '더 처치'에서 열렸다. "과학교육과 기독교"란 주제로 열린 이번 행사에서는 최승언 교수(서울대 사범대 지구과학교육과, 관악영재교육원장)가 강사로 수고했다.
특히 질의응답 시간, 과학과 신앙 사이 솔직하게 궁금했던 질문을 던지는 청중과 기독교 과학자로서 대답을 전하는 과정이 굉장히 재미있었다. 먼저 한 청중은 예수의 기적사건, 특히 부활에 대해 이공계 학생이 어떻게 받아들여야 하냐고 질문을 던졌다.
최승언 교수는 먼저 "어려운 질문"이라 운을 떼고, "(기독교인이) 부활이 없다면 공허한 것 아니냐"라며 "하찮은 과학 실력을 갖고 모든 것을 증명해 낼 수는 없다"고 했다. 이어 그는 "중요한 사실이 있는데, 부활신앙으로 이뤄낸 모든 것들, 즉 현재의 교회와 기독교 공동체 등 그곳에서 일어나는 여러 가지 일들을 살펴볼 때, 그것을 통해 우린 예수 부활이 있었구나를 확인할 수 있다"고 이야기 했다.
더불어 "물 위를 걷는 것도 마찬가지"라 말하고, "우리가 홍길동을 좋아하는 이유는 기적 때문"이라며 "사실 여러분 일상생활에서는 그런 일들이 잘 일어나지 않는다. 오직 삼위일체 하나님만이 하실 수 있는 일이다. 우리가 그것을 증명하지 못한다고 해서 '아니'라 말할 수 없다. 모르면 그냥 두어야지, 그것까지 증명하려 한다면 우리가 신이어야 하지 않겠는가. 우리의 인지로 그것을 다 이해할 수 있다는 것은 불가능하다. 겸손해야 한다. 우리의 한계에 대해서"라고 답했다.
다음 질문은 '과학과 신학의 관계'에 대한 것이었다. 최 교수는 "과학과 신학은 상보적"이라 밝히고, "신학을 왜 아직도 연구하겠느냐. 다 들여다 봐도, 설명이 안 되기 때문이다. 과학자들 역시 왜 연구하나? 들여다 봐도 다 모르기 때문"이라 부연했다. 그는 "우리가 이룬 과학적 업적은 대단하지만, 중요한 것은 그것 가운데 알지 못하는 것들이 많이 숨어 있는데, 그런 숨은 것을 찾아나가는 과정이 과학"이라 이야기 했다.
한 중학교 교사는 학교에서 진화론을 가르치면 마음이 편치 않다고 고백했다. 이에 대해 최 교수는 "(진화론을 인정하지 않더라도) 모델로써 어떤 모델이든 이런 것이 있다며 설명할 수는 있지 않겠느냐"고 했다. 더 나아가 교회 다니는 학생들이 진화론을 '가설이라 믿지 않겠다'고 한다는 다른 교사의 질문에 그는 "가설이라 이야기해도, 이런 저런 가설이 있다고 가르칠 수는 있다. 그리고 마음을 닫았다면 어쩔 수 없다. 가르치지 않아도 되지 않을까 싶다"고도 했다.
또 최 교수는 지적설계, 진화, 창조 등 서로 다른 견해를 갖고 있는 이들과 함께 교육을 논할 수 있겠느냐는 질문에 "해보려 많이 시도는 했는데 불가능하다고 생각 한다"고 답했다. 기독교인들을 위한 과학교과서를 만들어볼 생각이 없냐는 질문에 대해서는 즉석에서 "하면 된다. 기독교 대안학교 교재를 한 번 만들어 보면 어떨까 싶다"고도 했다. 더불어 '교회 내에서 진화론 등 과학적 토론이 가능 하겠는가'라는 질문에 대해서는 "진화는 과학 전체 중 작은 일부분일 뿐"이라며 너무 큰 비중을 두지 않았으면 좋겠다는 뉘앙스로 이야기하기도 했다.
질의응답에 임하고 있는 최승언 교수(왼쪽)와 사회자로 나선 우종학 교수(서울대). ©조은식 기자
주일학교에서 아이들에게 창세기1~2장 창조를 어떻게 설명하면 좋겠느냐는 질문도 있었다. 최 교수는 역시 "어린아이들은 뭔가를 들으면 그대로 믿는 경향이 있기에 쉬운 일이 아니"라며 "이야기 식으로 풀어줘서 그 안에서 의미를 찾게끔 하면 좋겠다"고 했다. 그는 "아이들이 못 알아 듣더라도 의미를 이야기 해줘야 할 것 같다"면서 "스토리텔링 기법을 사용하면 좋겠는데, 사실 그 방법도 알아들을 수 있는 기본이 되어 있어야 한다"면서 더 많은 고민이 필요한 주제임을 이야기 했다.
아담의 역사성에 대한 질문에 대해서 최 교수는 "창조론에 대한 건강한 해석들이 많이 있는데, 그것들을 따라가자"고 했다. 다만 그는 "아담이 누구냐에 대해 너무 집착하지 않았으면 좋겠다"고 말하고, "아담을 인류의 대표자로 생각하면 좋겠다"면서 "(창세기의 의도는) 이 세상을 창조하신 하나님께서 노예근성에 젖어있던 히브리인들에게 '내가 너희를 선택했다. 너희는 그런 민족이 아니다'라는 새 희망을 주시고자 했던 것"이라 설명하기도 했다.
성경을 바라보는 입장에 대해, 최 교수는 "신적인 영감을 받은 이들이 자신들의 간증을 적고, 그것을 묶어낸 것이 성경이 아닐까"라 말한 후 "성경이 이야기하는 신적인 이야기는 변함이 없기에, 여러분들의 그런 신적 체험을 여러분이 갖고 있는 도구로 묘사할 수도 있다"고 말하기도 했다. 또 목회자들에게는 "설교할 때 전문분야에 대한 내용이 나온다면 전문가 성도에게 묻는 것이 좋다"고 말하고, "어디서 본 것만을 갖고 진실처럼 이야기를 한다면, 모르는 많은 이들은 진리라고 믿고 갈지도 모른다"면서 "전문가에게 조언을 듣는다면 문제들이 많이 줄어들 것"이라 했다.
한편 최 교수는 강연에서 자신이 기독교 신앙을 가진 과학자로서 과학을 어떻게 바라보고 대했는지를 먼저 설명하고, 이어 현장 교실에서의 과학 교육에 대한 적폐를 지적한 후 과학 학습의 혁신과 새로운 목표에 대해 이야기를 나눴다. 그는 스스로 하는 과학 학습 방식을 추구하며, 학교 현장을 바꾸려는 노력을 계속하고 있다고 전했다.
최 교수는 미네소타대에서 천문학 박사학위를 받았으며, 주 연구 분야는 과학영재교육, 지구과학, 교수-학습 등이다. 서울대 과학영재교육센터 원장과 한국 지구과학회 회장 등을 역임하기도 했으며, 특히 장신대 신대원(M.Div)도 졸업해 과학-신학-교육 등에 대해 폭넓게 연구하며 가르치고 있다.
[출처] 기독일보 https://www.christiandaily.co.kr/news/74129#share
The Origin Of The Universe (Science Masters Series): Barrow, John D.: 9780465053544: Amazon.com: Books
The Origin Of The Universe: Barrow, John D.: Amazon.com: Books
The Origin Of The Universe
(The Science Masters Series)
by
3.76 · Rating details · 463 ratings · 35 reviews
There is no more profound, enduring or fascinating question in all of science than that of how time, space, and matter began. Now John Barrow, who has been at the cutting edge of research in this area and has written extensively about it, guides us on a journey to the beginning of time, into a world of temperatures and densities so high that we cannot recreate them in a laboratory. With new insights, Barrow draws us into the latest speculative theories about the nature of time and the “inflationary universe,” explains “wormholes,” showing how they bear upon the fact of our own existence, and considers whether there was a “singularity” at the inception of the universe. Here is a treatment so up-to-date and intellectually rich, deaing with ideas and speculation at the farthest frontier of science, that neither novice nor expert will want to miss what Barrow has to say. The Origin of the Universe is ”In the Beginning” for beginners—the latest information from a first-rate scientist and science writer. (less)
Aug 24, 2016Dawn rated it liked it
I think I understood it while I was reading it...but don't ask me to explain anything. (less)
Part of the Science Masters series, I would not call this an easy read but it was a beginning. When I finished, I had a more understanding about expansion of the universe, singularity, continuance (as it reflected on Einstein’s theory of relativity) and quantum, mostly physics. As a beginner reading this subject, I was not expecting this book to be easy but I was surprised to come away with the little understanding I did. This is a book I would return to, feeling confident I will come away with more understanding with each read. (less)
A good account of the origin of the universe and concepts of theories, our existence and matters of the universe with a great foundation for those interested in the area and beginners wanting to find out more about this topic.
Plenty reeling of facts and principles, great for those who don’t have any prior knowledge on this. And equally as good for those who do but just want a recap of what they might have learnt before. I also loved the addition of the Sherlock Holmes quotes, as a lover of Arthur Canon Doyle’s work!
I liked the chapter on quantum too which was great and delivered in a way that helped to describe an incredibly confusing and complex concept. Plenty of great information in this and doesn’t over complicate, providing you with the facts needed to understand this topic. (less)
Plenty reeling of facts and principles, great for those who don’t have any prior knowledge on this. And equally as good for those who do but just want a recap of what they might have learnt before. I also loved the addition of the Sherlock Holmes quotes, as a lover of Arthur Canon Doyle’s work!
I liked the chapter on quantum too which was great and delivered in a way that helped to describe an incredibly confusing and complex concept. Plenty of great information in this and doesn’t over complicate, providing you with the facts needed to understand this topic. (less)
Easy to read and def covers the topic. It does cover the origin of the Universe. It does do so in a compelling way. I think there are just a ton of competition in this topic. For that reason, it's hard to give it 5. 4 is a strong rating, though and if you can't be bothered to read some of the larger tombs, I would go to this one. ...more
Mar 09, 2020Kate rated it liked it
Książka ta przypomina inną książkę, którą czytałam ostatnio ("Astrophysics for people in a Hurry"), ale nie posiada ona aż tak chwytliwego tytułu. Może ocenianie przez porównanie tych dwoch książek nie jest bardzo obiektywne, ale wiele z informacji w tych dwóch książkach się pokrywa, choć znalazłam też takie, które warte są przytoczenia.
Ciekawostka 1:
Ekspansja Wszechświata jest izotropowa, czyli taka sama we wszystkich kierunkach.
Ciekawostka 2:
Model stanu stacjonarnego Wszechświata został wymyślony w 1948 roku przez Golda, Bondiego i Hoyle'a. Wedłuch nich, Wszechświat zawsze wygląda tak samo i nie ma początku, a gęstość materii w nim jest stała. Inna teoria opisująca Wszechświat to teoria Wielkiego Wybuchu. Przewiduje ona, że gęstość materii we Wszechświecie ciągle maleje, bo nie następuje kreacja nowej materii. Dodatkowo, Wszechświat miał początek.
Ciekawostka 3:
Obserwacje astronomiczne lekkich pierwiastków pozwalają badać znacznie wcześniejsze epoki niż obserwacje mikrofalowego tła. Na podstawie obserwowanej ilości helu we Wszechświacie, można było wydedukować ile jest rodzajów neutrin (3).
Ciekawostka 4:
Obecność węgla we Wszechświecie jest uzależniona od stanu rezonansowego helu, berylu i wegla. Ten stan rezonansowy powstaje przez kombinację jąder helu i berylu, co skutkuje powstaniem węgla. Dodatkowo, węgiel, wkrótce po utworzeniu, teoretycznie mógłby poprzez przyłączenie kolejnego jądra helu zamienić się w tlen. Jednakże, rekacja ta nie wykazuje rezonansu, co skutkuje relatywną obfitością we Wszechświecie zarówno węgla jak i tlenu. (less)
Ciekawostka 1:
Ekspansja Wszechświata jest izotropowa, czyli taka sama we wszystkich kierunkach.
Ciekawostka 2:
Model stanu stacjonarnego Wszechświata został wymyślony w 1948 roku przez Golda, Bondiego i Hoyle'a. Wedłuch nich, Wszechświat zawsze wygląda tak samo i nie ma początku, a gęstość materii w nim jest stała. Inna teoria opisująca Wszechświat to teoria Wielkiego Wybuchu. Przewiduje ona, że gęstość materii we Wszechświecie ciągle maleje, bo nie następuje kreacja nowej materii. Dodatkowo, Wszechświat miał początek.
Ciekawostka 3:
Obserwacje astronomiczne lekkich pierwiastków pozwalają badać znacznie wcześniejsze epoki niż obserwacje mikrofalowego tła. Na podstawie obserwowanej ilości helu we Wszechświacie, można było wydedukować ile jest rodzajów neutrin (3).
Ciekawostka 4:
Obecność węgla we Wszechświecie jest uzależniona od stanu rezonansowego helu, berylu i wegla. Ten stan rezonansowy powstaje przez kombinację jąder helu i berylu, co skutkuje powstaniem węgla. Dodatkowo, węgiel, wkrótce po utworzeniu, teoretycznie mógłby poprzez przyłączenie kolejnego jądra helu zamienić się w tlen. Jednakże, rekacja ta nie wykazuje rezonansu, co skutkuje relatywną obfitością we Wszechświecie zarówno węgla jak i tlenu. (less)
Apr 21, 2021Socrate rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Cum, de ce şi când a apărut universul? Cât de maree? Ce formă are? Din ce e alcătuit? Acestea sunt întrebări pe care orice copil curios le-ar putea pune, dar sunt şi întrebări cu care cosmologii zilelor noastre se luptă de mai multe decenii. Pentru ziarişti şi autorii de ştiinţă popularizată, unul din motivele de atracţie ale cosmologiei este acela că multe probleme de la frontierele acestui domeniu sunt uşor de prezentat. Luaţi de exemplu frontierele electronicii cuantice, ale secvenţelor de ADN, ale neurofiziologiei sau ale matematicii pure, şi nu veţi găsi probleme pe care specialistul să le poată traduce atât de uşor în limbajul de zi cu zi. (less)
Jun 27, 2018Ella Catherall rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: 1500-book-project, books-i-own, non-fiction-books, science
As an introduction to a field of study that encourages you to go and find out more about it, it's a great book. The breadth of content covered is astounding and it really leaves you wanting more. However, there were many times when concepts felt rushed over, particularly in the case of the bit about magnetic monopoles which I've read back over a few times and still don't quite understand. Nevertheless, if you're trying to get into cosmology and you're looking for a few different books to read (I wouldn't just read this one), this is a good one to have on that list. (less)
Aug 10, 2019Marco rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Queste "onde/particelle" si potrebbero paragonare più a delle onde emotive che a delle onde liquide. Se un'ondata di emozione si diffonde nelle nostre vicinanze, ciò significa che è molto probabile che da quelle parti vi sia un comportamento emotivo. (less)
A little dated, but otherwise readable account of the origin of the universe. Examines several theories, explains in layman's terms. Good background on the subject, if not the latest theories.
3.5 stars (less)
3.5 stars (less)
This book was quite meaty for being a short intro to the topic. Definitely something I will need to re-read to get a full understanding.
Jun 08, 2017Klaudia rated it liked it · review of another edition
Ciekawa i nawet nie taka trudna, ale średnie tłumaczenie psuje przyjemność czytania.
Jun 17, 2021Gary rated it it was amazing
Thoroughly enjoyable! Lots of ideas and theories, but always with the sensible caveat that we don't really know! I like that! (less)
Jun 24, 2018Charlie Bray rated it it was ok
Wish it would have had more intuitive explanations, along the lines of the balloon example/illustration given towards the beginning.
Jan 02, 2021Philip T rated it liked it
Hard to read tbh
Jul 18, 2020Tatiana Rymarenko rated it really liked it
The book suffers for the embarrassment of riches that is its niche, otherwise a good read.
Not that good. Just taking on the major problems of cosmology and discussing them very briefly. Poor
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The Origin Of The Universe (Science Masters Series) Hardcover – October 7, 1994
by John D. Barrow (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
Part of: Science Masters Series (14 books)
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About the Author
John D. Barrow is Professor of Astronomy at the University of Sussex, England.
Product details
Publisher : Basic Books; First Edition (October 7, 1994)
Language : English
Hardcover : 176 pages
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4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
Top reviews from the United States
Erik Wahlström
4.0 out of 5 stars Cheap, oudated but still interesting
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2018
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This book is interesting, as are all Barrow's books, but outdated, it was originally published in 1994. For instance, the COBE satellite which he writes about a lot has been superceded. The e-book version is also badly proofread. For instance the header of chapter 3 reads: THE SIHGULARITY AHD OTHER PROBLEMS.
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Ron Ron
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2016
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Interesting and easy to read.
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Luc REYNAERT
5.0 out of 5 stars Deepest secrets.
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2002
Excellent presentation of the latest theories about the origin of the universe, like the 'no boundary condition' (Hawking and Hartle), the quantum origin, the inflation period (Guth) or superstrings.
This book is more a scientific explanation with charts and dwawings, but - not always easy - understandable for the layman.
I missed the speculation of a John Gribbin or a Martin Rees.
As in his other excellent book 'Theories of Everything', the author believes that "One day we may be able to say something about the origin of our own cosmic neighbourhood. But we can never know the origins of the universe. The deepest secrets are the ones that keep themselves."
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dr
5.0 out of 5 stars never easy
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2010
Astrophysics is never easy. Expect to have to read and reread many parts a number of parts, and then one's understanding of the origin of the universe will never be complete.
Fine introduction and reference book for those who are curious and willing to commit the required effort.
I recommend this book as one of the most accessible readable and enjoyable Physics primers for students of all ages.
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Wallace F. Smith
4.0 out of 5 stars Science Fails
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2006
This book does not explain the origin of the universe; it doesn't claim to. Science in the person of Professor John Barrow follows the deductive-inductive mantra; either a lab experiment replicates the physical result of specfied causes or flawless reasoning shows there is no room for doubt. Both approaches collapse. If science loses, does God win?
GOD'S NANOSECOND
Max Planck showed God could not have created the universe. First there was nothing and in a billionth of a second - the big bang - there was everything and everything that will be. Forget "seven days" and lab experiments. Science does not make something from nothing.
ZENO - DEDUCTION IS FUTILE
A man walks each day half the remaining distance to his destination; he will never arrive. Infinity doesn't end; there is no ultimate particlde so we cannot find the building block of the universe.
DESCARTES - THE COSMOS IS ONLY IMAGINATION
The real world is only what your senses encounter; it's just a dream - a mental trick. Descartes failed to break out of the "egocentric predicament."
NEWTON - FORCES IN BALANCE
An apple fell to earth and observer Newton "explained" the mutual attraction. He assumed attraction is an attribute of "mass." Masses will orbit. Later Einstein and Planck described described gavity as mysterious "energy" which comes in discrete "quanta." A quantum is "the energy of an atom at rest;" let it go at that. However Newton seriously underestimated the number of objects that whizz about in balanced orbits. National Geographic put the number at a "gazillion." That's very hard math.
EINSTEIN'S SPEED
Einstein persuaded his peers that the speed of light is both the minimum velocity of energy and the maximum. Mental scanning certainly exceeds the speed of light. One problem is the "curvature" of space; algebra is irrational but space insists on transcendental parameters - pi, "e" and sines, for example. These do not exist in nature.
EVOLUTION
Our senses all evolved and are incomplete; so science is literally groping in the dark. Cats hear better, eagles see better and dogs apparently take the prize for ESP. Human brains compute distance from data received by two eyes or two ears; the brain is a sense organ, but pretty primitive. Science concedes that birds evolved from dinosaurs. The proof is in the feet and the eggs. Feathers and chirping just came along; Darwin missed the whole chapter. Forget the universe; explain hummingbirds!
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Robert Bensen Jr
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - An even briefer history of Time
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 1999
For anyone that enjoyed A Brief History of Time this is a excellent follow up. Great explanation of inflation and the possibilty of a non-singularity beginning of the universe.
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S P Mead
4.0 out of 5 stars the beginning of all things ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2016
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This book, by John Barrow, seeks to outline and explain the key theoretical understandings that dominated scientific knowledge in the mid-1990's regarding the origin of the universe. Barrow is concerned with how the cosmos began - i.e. what happened during the so-called 'big bang'. This is a well-written book, presuming no scientific background on the part of the reader. It's also a very short book, and makes no effort to be thorough or comprehensive. Rather, it's intended to offer a guide through the various theories that were discussed within the academic community of physicists and astronomers.
Barrow presents the ideas, concepts and evidence for the 'big bang'. He then seeks to speculate on what occurred during the initial minutes of the universe ... even down to the first few seconds. It's then, at the very instance of universal beginning, that known science ceases to be able to present solid arguments as to what's going on. Cause and effect break down, as the cosmos exists as a quantum realm.
This remains a relevant book - and I'm sure it will be of interest to anyone studying cosmology and astronomy at college and as an undergraduate at university. I also recommend it to more general readers, who might be fascinated by the sort of issues raised through exploring the origin of the universe.
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