Audiobooks by Martin Rees

The Shape of Wonder: How Scientists Think, Work, and Live

"In this captivating, insightful book, acclaimed physicists Alan Lightman and Martin Rees illuminate the life and work of numerous scientists in order to demystify the scientific process and show that scientists are concerned citizens, just like the rest of us. "Remarkable. . . . Illuminating with refreshing clarity the ordinary and sometimes extraordinary work of scientists. This book is essential reading.' -Jennifer Ackerman, bestselling author of What an Owl Knows In an age of rapid scientific discovery and technological advancement, it's understandable that many feel uneasy about the future. While we might have confidence in these new developments when we go to the hospital for a medical procedure, fly in an airplane, or take an elevator to the top floor of a building, the motivations and lives of scientists themselves feel shrouded from public view. There is a growing sense that scientists are not to be trusted-that they may be guided by political or financial interests, or beholden to governments, or state institutions. This growing mistrust of scientists is an urgent problem. With the onset of climate change, the imminent threats of pandemic or nuclear war, and rapid acceleration in the fields of artificial intelligence and DNA sequencing, innovations in science have the potential to change the world. It's crucial that we not only gain a better understanding of science as a field, but also reestablish trust with its practitioners. The Shape of Wonder guides us through the fascinating lives and minds of scientists around the world and throughout time, from a young theoretical physicist who works as a research assistant professor at the University of Washington and rock climbs in their free time; to German physicist Werner Heisenberg in his early life, when he was a student of music and philosophy; to Govind Swarup, an Indian astronomer whose work on radio telescopes was profoundly important. We get an inside peek at what makes scientists tick-their daily lives, passions, and concerns about the societies they live in. In this brilliant and elucidative work, Lightman and Rees pull back the curtain on the field of science, revealing that scientists are driven by the same sense of curiosity, wonder, and responsibility towards the future that shapes us all. * This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF containing illustrations from the printed book."

Alan Lightman, Martin Rees (Author), Christopher Grove (Narrator)

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If Science is to Save Us

"There has never been a time when 'following the science' has been more important for humanity. At no other point in history have we had such advanced knowledge and technology at our fingertips, nor had such astonishing capacity to determine the future of our planet. But the decisions we must make on how science is applied belong outside the lab and should be the outcome of wide public debate. For that to happen, science needs to become part of our common culture. Science is not just for scientists: if it were, it could never save us from the multiple crises we face. For science can save us, if its innovations mesh carefully into society and its applications are channeled for the common good. As Martin Rees argues in this expert and personal analysis of the scientific endeavor on which we all depend, we need to think globally, we need to think rationally and we need to think long-term, empowered by twenty-first-century technology but guided by values that science alone cannot provide."

Martin Rees (Author), Derek Perkins (Narrator)

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[German] - Act now! - Reflexionen in existenziellen Zeiten (Ungekürzt)

"Die Herausforderungen des 21. Jahrhunderts haben eine radikal neue Qualität: Klimawandel, Epidemien und Artensterben dokumentieren den planetaren Burn-out. Die Trecks von Millionen Geflüchteten sind das Resultat rücksichtsloser Machtpolitik und Profitorientierung im Zeitalter der kapitalistischen Globalisierung, das zum 'Final Century' zu werden droht. Mehr als ein Dutzend Autoren - von der Literatur-Nobelpreisträgerin bis zur Aktivistin von 'Fridays for Future' - sind sich einig: Es ist Zeit zu handeln. Jetzt!"

Ai Weiwei, Dennis Meadows, Donatella Di Cesare, Frank Otto, Franziska Wessel, Fürst Albert Ll, Graeme Maxton, Hanna Poddig, Jean Ziegler, Leoluca Orlando, Martin Rees, Mojib Lativ, Oliver Neß, Roger Willemsen, Swetlana Alexijewitsch, Tima Kurdi (Author), Barbara Auer, Frank Otto, Franziska Wessel, Hanna Poddig, Konstantin Wecker, Mojib Lativ, Oliver Neß, Thomas Thieme, Walter Sittler (Narrator)

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Just Six Numbers: The Deep Forces That Shape the Universe

"How did a single 'genesis event' create billions of galaxies, black holes, stars and planets? How did atoms assemble--here on earth, and perhaps on other worlds--into living beings intricate enough to ponder their origins? What fundamental laws govern our universe? This book describes new discoveries and offers remarkable insights into these fundamental questions. There are deep connections between stars and atoms, between the cosmos and the microworld. Just six numbers, imprinted in the 'big bang,' determine the essential features of our entire physical world. Moreover, cosmic evolution is astonishingly sensitive to the values of these numbers. If any one of them were 'untuned,' there could be no stars and no life. This realization offers a radically new perspective on our universe, our place in it, and the nature of physical laws."

Martin Rees (Author), John Curless (Narrator)

Audiobook

On the Future: Prospects for Humanity

"This audiobook narrated by Martin Rees and Samuel West offers a provocative and inspiring look at the future of humanity and science Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes—good and bad—are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and bestselling author Martin Rees argues that humanity's prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow. The future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. If we are to use science to solve our problems while avoiding its dystopian risks, we must think rationally, globally, collectively, and optimistically about the long term. Advances in biotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence—if pursued and applied wisely—could empower us to boost the developing and developed world and overcome the threats humanity faces on Earth, from climate change to nuclear war. At the same time, further advances in space science will allow humans to explore the solar system and beyond with robots and AI. But there is no 'Plan B' for Earth—no viable alternative within reach if we do not care for our home planet. Rich with fascinating insights into cutting-edge science and technology, this accessible book will captivate anyone who wants to understand the critical issues that will define the future of humanity on Earth and beyond."

Martin Rees (Author), Martin Rees, Samuel West (Narrator)

Audiobook

Just Six Numbers

"How did a single genesis event create billions of galaxies, black holes, stars and planets? How did atoms assemble - here on Earth, and perhaps on other worlds - into living beings intricate enough to ponder their origins? This book describes the recent avalanche of discoveries about the universe's fundamental laws, and the deep connections that exist between stars and atoms - the cosmos and the microscopic world. Just six numbers, imprinted in the big bang, determine the essence of our world, and this book devotes one chapter to explaining each. (p) 1997 Orion Publishing Group"

Martin Rees (Author), Martin Rees (Narrator)

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