The Universe and the Teacup, K. C. Cole
The Universe and the Teacup, K. C. Cole
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The Universe and the Teacup
The Mathematics of Truth and Beauty

Author: K. C. Cole

Narrator: Wendy Tremont King

Unabridged: 8 hr 4 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 02/09/2021

Categories: Nonfiction, Mathematics

Synopsis

From the acclaimed Los Angeles Times science writer, a wise, witty, and elegant study of how math provides practical solutions to everyday problems.

Are the secrets of the universe written in words—or is it all about the digits? K. C. Cole follows up her paean to the power of physics, Sympathetic Vibrations, with this engaging and accessible guide to the might and majesty of mathematics. The Universe and the Teacup uses relatable examples and humorous prose to demonstrate math's ability to "translate the complexity of the world into manageable patterns."

Cole shows how mathematical concepts illuminate everything from human risk-taking behavior to astronomical investigation, game theory to logic problems—not to mention the very structure of the universe itself. Brimming with trivia stressing the importance of math throughout history, this is a book both math nerds and the "innumerate" everyday person can enjoy in equal measure.

About K. C. Cole

K. C. Cole is the author of several non-fiction books, including the nationally bestselling, The Universe and the Teacup: The Mathematics of Truth and Beauty. A long-time writer for the Los Angeles Times, her work has also appeared in Discover, Wired, the New Yorker, Quanta, the New York Times, the Smithsonian, the Columbia Journalism Review, Newsweek, Esquire, Ms., the Washington Post, Slate, and many other publications. Professor emerita at USC's Annenberg School of Communication, she is currently scholar in residence at UPenn's Annenberg Public Policy Center. Cole frequently writes on the science of social issues, earning her an EMMA (Exceptional Merit in Media Award) from the National Women's Political Caucus. She has also won the American Institute of Physics science writing award, the Los Angeles Times award for Explanatory Journalism, the Edward R. Murrow Award for "thoughtful coverage of scientific controversies."

Reviews

Goodreads review by Will

This is a popular science book that offers a very accessible look at how math figures in our lives, well beyond the obvious. What I found most interesting was the conclusion that math is not the bottom line hard truth we might think it to be. Everything, even math, depends on context and probability......more

Goodreads review by Tim

I couldn't find anything interesting about this book. All topics are superficial. The author keeps jumping from point to point, hardly addresses any topic with depth. If you have read many science books don't read this. I am sure you already now all the facts and relationships that she tries to cove......more

Goodreads review by Russell

Meh. The author brings up a lot interesting points, but the connections are weak or odd at best. I mean, comparing the 'tipping point' to failing social programs? Odd. No math is actually involved, no formulas were allowed here, thankyouverymuch. It makes sense, she is aiming for the lay person and t......more

Goodreads review by ManOfLaBook.com

I bought this book in 1999 and recently found it in a closet. Even though the cover says this is a math book, I didn't find it to be so. Yes, there is some math in it but Ms. Cole is more of an observer. As a "non-scientist" I did not feel totally lost within the book, I felt as if I was being intro......more

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