Our Mathematical Universe

 

Our Mathematical Universe by Max Tegmark.  Alfred A. Knopf, 2014.

The book starts by offering many ideas that have become basics in astronomy.  He travels through history and mentions the contributions of many individuals whose knowledge builds this new view of the universe.  Later he adds and describes a four level multiverse.  The explanations require some effort of imagination and are detailed and somewhat intimidating to understand but with patience, persistence, and time it is quite rewarding to develop this new view of the cosmos.  He does not include or describe the actual mathematical foundations that serve to support this new view but instead describes everything in narrative.  A very satisfying book to read.

Hirsi Ali, A. (2007). Infidel. (1^st ed., p. 353). New York, NY: Free Press.

The reader gets a look at her life as she describes growing up in Somalia and the culture that surrounded her.  Her travels around the world at different points in her life are interesting because she describes her observations concerning the differences in appearance and cultural behaviors of others in other regions of the world and the physical world and its arrangement of architecture, resources, and frequently higher organization.  She sees different levels of freedoms and restriction.  Throughout the biography she describes that there is an awareness of seeking a sense of justice and self-fulfillment.  She is trying to realize and be true to herself.   There are things that she wishes and strives for in life and in time she transcends her local Islamic and Somali culture and becomes a new person.