There Are Places in the World Where Rules Are Less Important Than Kindness

A joy of a book - enriching illuminating eclectic and far from a conventional science read Richard Webb New Scientist Books of the YearCarlo Rovellis imaginative rigour his lively humour and his beautiful writing are inspiring Erica WagnerOne of the most inspiring thinkers of our age the bestselling author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics transforms the way we think about the world with his reflections on science history and humanityIn this collection of writings the logbook of an intelligence always on the move Carlo Rovelli follows his curiosity and invites us on a voyage through science history philosophy and politics. Written with his usual clarity and wit these pieces range widely across time and space: from Newtons alchemy to Einsteins mistakes from Nabokovs butterflies to Dantes cosmology from travels in Africa to the consciousness of an octopus from mind-altering psychedelic substances to the meaning of atheism. Charming pithy and elegant this book is the perfect gateway to the universe of one of the most influential scientists of our age. Review Superb. Rovellis journalism is an expression of the scientific desire to know and understand the world. Beautifully translated by Erica Segre and Simon CarnellThere Are Places in the World Where Rules Are Less Important than Kindness continues a tradition of jargon-free popular scientific writing from Galileo to Darwin that disappeared in the academic specialization of the last century -- Ian Thomson ―Evening StandardWith the publication of his million-selling bookSeven Brief Lessons on PhysicsRovelli took his place with Stephen Hawking and Richard Feynman as one of the great popularisers of modern theoretical physics -- Sam Leith ―SpectatorThe Meditations of Marcus Aurelius for our age -- Robert FoxModern physics has found its poet. . . Rovelli is a wonderfully humane gentle and witty guide for he is as much philosopher and poet as he is a scientist -- John Banville ―Irish TimesThe most fun physicist to be with -- as well asthe greatest explainer of physics -- Bryan Appleyard ―Sunday TimesA joy of a book - enriching illuminating eclectic and far from a conventional science read. . . showcases the light and shade of Rovellis writing and the passion for knowledge and curiosity that make him such an engaging writer . . . We need more Rovellis -- Richard Webb ―New ScientistRovelli is a brilliant and lucid teacherwho uses his understanding of theoretical physics and the quantum world to talk about the complexity of our everyday reality -- Russell BrandThis short collection of writings hassomething to offer for avid admirers of his work and new Rovelli readers alike ―Science FocusIt remains rare for even the most talented science writers to fuse their work with a deep knowledge of the arts. One such rarity is Carlo Rovelli who like some intellectual throwback to antiquity treats the sciences and the humanities as complementary areas of knowledge and is a subtle interpreter of both. . .These finely wrought essays draw on an impressive hinterland of cultural and scientific learning. . . an entertaining and enlightening journey -- Andrew Anthony ―ObserverRovelli opens windows onto the imagination for all of us -- Antony GormleyCarlo Rovellione of our ages most inspiring thinkers offers intellectual adventures for the curious ―Time OutCarlo Rovelli is a genius and an amazing communicator... What I love about his writing is that it always comes back to people -- people interacting with other people who are interacting with their world. This is the place where science comes to life -- Neil GaimanCarlo Rovellis imaginative rigour his lively humour and his beautiful writing are inspiring -- Erica WagnerIlluminating thought-provoking and suffused with a passion for knowledge and ideas it is an eclectic and far from conventional science read or gift ―New Scie