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“[A] thought-provoking treatment of an array of issues at the frontier of science and philosophy. . . . Well worth our attention.” ―PopMatters

“Engaging and varied. . . . Books like this invite us to direct our curiosities―both as groups and individuals―in useful ways.” ―North of Oxford

“Engrossing. . . . Danielsson’s clarity of thought and expression and his use of illuminating literary and historical references are equal to the quality of his writing. Science ‘popularizing’ doesn’t get much more comprehensible, or provocative, than this.” ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Danielsson takes readers on an odyssey through the width and depth of his field, and it is truly a fascinating journey. Touching on subjects as diverse as evolutionary biology, philosophy, and even popular culture, Danielsson makes his topics both appreciably substantial and approachable.” ―Library Journal (starred review)

“There are some mind-bending ideas and the philosophical reflections on math and physics are stimulating. . . . This pensive take on physics has much to offer.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The World Itself offers a bold perspective on mathematics, physics, and the nature of reality. There’s much I agree with and less that I don’t, but Ulf Danielsson, a leading theoretical physicist, proves himself an insightful and patient guide through some of the universe’s deepest mysteries.” ―Brian Greene, author of The Fabric of the Cosmos and Until the End of Time

“Danielsson is Sweden’s most important public writer on the implications of natural science. His lucid, powerful, passionate, and engaging work advances original arguments of great importance. The World Itself is destined to become a modern classic as it upends many of the received wisdoms about the scientific worldview.” ―Martin Hagglund, author of This Life: Secular Faith and Spiritual Freedom

“Danielsson displays a remarkably broad understanding of science and philosophy, and dispenses with false notions about the world in this brief, yet provocative book. I hope it stimulates lots of discussion and debate, as it should. For those who have thought about these issues, there is much of interest here. For those who haven’t, this is a great place to start.” ―Lawrence M. Krauss, author of A Universe from Nothing and The Known Unknowns

“In this accessible and beautifully written book, Danielsson argues for views diametrically opposite to mine on the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and physical reality―I highly recommend it!” ―Max Tegmark, author of Our Mathematical Universe and Life 3.0: Being Human In the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Chapter Page
Introduction: Reality Is Real! 9
1. Everything Is Physics 17
2. Living Beings Are Not Machines 27
3. The Universe Is Not Mathematics 41
4. There Is a Difference Between Model and Reality 73
5. Computers Are Not Conscious 93
6. Not Everything Can Be Calculated 127
7. Man Is Not Unique 149
8. Does Free Will Exist? 162
Acknowledgments 168
Recommended Reading 170

There is a wonderfully weird but real world out there, and we are a part of it. It is time for physics to take life seriously.

Can we ever truly comprehend the universe before we fully understand consciousness and the wonders, and limits, of the mind? Ulf Danielsson, an acclaimed theoretical physicist who has dedicated his career to probing the deepest mysteries of nature, thinks not. As he dismantles the arguments of esteemed mathematicians and scientists, who would substitute their mathematical models for reality and equate the mind to a computer, he makes a lucid and passionate case that it is nature, full of beauty and meaning, which must compel us. In challenging established worldviews, he also takes a fresh look at major philosophical debates, including the notion of free will.

Fearless, provocative, and witty, The World Itself is essential reading for anyone curious about the profound questions surrounding life, the universe, and everything.