The Order of Time

Physics, Metaphysics, and Poetry. I read the Audible version of this while driving to my hometown in another State (a solid book for such a mid-distance, 6 ish hr drive) and thus had the unique pleasure of having Alan Turing himself (as played in The Imitation Game and read here by Benedict Cumberbatch) lecture me on theoretical physics, metaphysics, philosophy, and poetry. If you're looking for a more concrete look at the exact theoretical physics at hand... this isn't the book you're going to want to pick up. If you're looking for more of an easy-read, high-level, pop science level look at whether or not time exists... this is a very good book from that perspective. And indeed, ultimately the text is all about perspective. At the most distinct levels, time simply does not exist, according to Rovelli. And yet obviously we humans experience time. So how can these two prior statements be resolved? Read this book for Rovelli's solid examination into the question and attempt at resolving this seeming paradox. Very much recommended. Particularly the Audible. :)

The first part of the book is horrifying. Rovelli details how time does not exist. Them he turns around shows that time doesn't matter.

But the second half, where I guess he's trying to explain what that means for time or time sensing humans, is garbled philosophical ramblings. Maybe the meaning is lost in the literal translation, but I didn't find any comfort or meaning to account for how we perceive time passing yet time doesn't exist.

Aaarg.

Carlo Rovelli first takes apart our Newtonian and instinctual concept of time, and then builds it back up based on quantum and thermal time. He shows us how time is not (necessarily) a variable in our world, but how time -and space- emerge from the relations between quantum events. There are some hard to grasp metaphysical leaps once in a while, but mostly the book is beautifully written, philosophical and lyrical exploration of time.

There's a special kind of magical state one enters when listening to a metaphysical book on audio on headphones, while walking through our world full people and objects and all its mundanities. Especially when the audiobook is narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch with a beautiful voice and much grace.

I did listen to the audio book twice, attempting to pay better attention to the details on the 2nd time around, but all the metaphysical talk really invites me to get distracted with daydreaming. I was very intrigued with thermal time but won't even attempt to describe it here. I might have to get a hardcopy to be able to fully dig my teeth into that.

Explains why time doesn't exist on a macro and micro scale and written so well I definitely am almost certain I could explain some of it to someone kind of.

The only section/metaphor I still can't fully understand is his comments on entropy only being in place due to the random shuffling of atoms at the beginning, I don't get how that isn't just a redefinition of time and clear proof of times arrow going one way.Overall, a brilliant read that has convinced me time doesn't exist except in my own head - turns out LSD was telling the truth all along.I spent way too long trying to understand that part and none of that paragraph would make sense unless you've read the book but I just wanted to share my confusion in case anyone else also felt dumb while reading that part

বইটা বিজ্ঞানের, লেখক বড় মাপের কোয়ান্টাম ফিজিসিস্ট। তথ্যে, তথ্যের উৎস বিষয়ক কেয়ারফুলনেসের স্বাভাবিক ভাবেই ঘাটতি নেই। তবে স্পেকুলেশনগুলো কেবল বৈজ্ঞানিক না, অনেকক্ষেত্রে ফিলোসফিক্যালও ছিল। হাইজেনবার্গের ‘ফিজিক্স অ্যান্ড ফিলোসফি'র এই আরেকটা বই, যেখানে ট্রাডিশনাল ফিলোসফির সাথে সায়েন্সর মিথস্ক্রিয়া দেখলাম।

A very enjoyable listen. Rovelli's words are great, love how he spoke of Einstein and other notable figures. Of course mentioned Proust, will have to sample him sometime.
Cumberbatch's narration was excellent and at times reminded me of Neil Gaiman.

Not sure how much of this will stick, but it was a pleasure to listen to. Added some quotes to help retain some more of it.

I really liked when he talked about Buddhism and its views on suffering.