Quantum Physics Made Me Do It: A Simple Guide to the Fundamental Nature of Everything

by Jeremie Harris

Overview

WINNER OF THE 2024 NON-FICTION KOBO EMERGING WRITER PRIZE
LONGLISTED FOR THE SCIENCE WRITERS AND COMMUNICATORS OF CANADA AWARD

An entertaining and accessible dive into the riveting world described by quantum mechanics, from physicist, AI risk expert, and Hollywood “alternative reality” consultant Jérémie Harris.

Are human beings immortal? Are apples conscious? Do our legal systems make assumptions about free will that are just plain wrong? Of all the terrific books on quantum physics—from Stephen Hawking to Brian Greene—the questions they never seem to satisfy are the implications of the science. We know that quantum physics is real—our phones and computers wouldn’t work if the science wasn’t right. But what does it all mean?

Does it mean that we live in one among a near-infinity of parallel universes? Or that everything that happens in the universe is pre-ordained—right down to what we think and how we act? Or does the science point in a stranger direction—towards the idea that the entire universe is one big mind? If one of these is true, what would it mean for our place in the universe, our immortal souls, and the future of humanity itself?

The most basic encounter with quantum physics leads us to a dizzying array of incredible implications, each one more capable than the last of blowing our minds—all of which can be engaged without advanced math or deep knowledge of theory.

Enter: Quantum Physics Made Me Do It—a smart, accessible, and engaging adventure through the complex and beautiful world mapped out by modern physics. Jérémie Harris at last offers us a book on quantum physics that the entire universe can enjoy—perhaps together as one big mind.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735244146
Publisher:	Penguin Canada
Publication date:	04/04/2023
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	9 MB

About the Author

JÉRÉMIE HARRIS is a physicist-turned Silicon Valley AI startup founder. His academic research in quantum mechanics has been featured in many of the world’s top physics journals, and his first company, SharpestMinds, became the world’s largest marketplace for technical mentorship in AI, where students learn for free until they’re hired in the field. He’s since co-founded Gladstone AI, an AI safety company. Jeremie has briefed senior cabinet members and security officials in Canada, the U.S., and U.K. on AI risk-related issues, and hosted the official podcast of Towards Data Science, a Medium publication with over 20 million monthly views, focused on AI, machine learning, and the future of humanity.

Editorial Reviews

WINNER OF THE 2024 NON-FICTION KOBO EMERGING WRITER PRIZE
LONGLISTED FOR THE SCIENCE WRITERS AND COMMUNICATORS OF CANADA AWARD

“How could this guy Harris write with such insouciance, such sly humour, and still manage to explain a whole lot of quantum mechanics, but at the same time astonish you with its implications for subjects like life in the universe and consciousness?”
—Jay Ingram, bestselling author of The Science of Why series

“Jérémie Harris is a very funny scientist. I laughed all the way through the wacky world of quantum mechanics, explained through zombie cats, baseballs, and peanuts. It is an enjoyable way to learn about multiverses, the dual nature of particles, our own consciousness, and the simple fact that physicists don’t have all the answers.”
—Bob McDonald, host of Quirks & Quarks and bestselling author of
The Future Is Now: Solving the Climate Crisis with Today’s Technologies

“Quantum Physics Made Me Do It is a delightful, eye-opening exploration of the biggest questions a human being can ask. Hard science made easy, it’s a rare gem that shows just how big the big picture truly is. A terrific, perspective-altering read and a deeply entertaining adventure.”
—Geordie Rose, founder of D-Wave, the world’s first quantum computing company

“Although quantum physicists are not in agreement on the implications of their science, through such exploratory considerations as those in this book may come breakthroughs in our thinking.”
—Michael Shermer, co-founder of Skeptic Magazine and author of The Believing Brain

“Jérémie Harris has the uncanny ability to make the most esoteric, theoretical science not just understandable—but incredibly engaging. . . . [He] is compulsively captivating, funny, and engrossing. This isn’t a lecture; it’s entertainment that feeds the brain.”
—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

From the Publisher