The Power of Six

Just Six Numbers: The Deep Forces That Shape the Universe by Martin J. Rees

Summary: The genesis of the universe elegantly explained in a simple theory based on just six numbers by one of the world's most renowned astrophysicists.

Review: A thorough overview of the six numbers that shape our universe.

I’ve wanted to read this book for a while. I love physics, especially astrophysics and quantum physics. I have recently started to accept the idea of multiple universes. This came about due to my readings about quantum physics and about how the six numbers are perfectly tuned to create life in our universe. If the numbers were any different, we wouldn’t have existed. As an atheist and someone who doesn’t believe in the strong anthropic principle, the idea of multiple universes is compelling to me.

Many universes could have been formed, with different variations of the six numbers, and ours just happened to have the right set of numbers so life was formed. So our universe came about by chance. It would be fascinating if we were able to travel to other universes and see what it is like there. Rees does a good of explaining what the six numbers are and how different our universe could have been if the numbers weren’t right. While I enjoyed this book, Rees doesn’t take much time to explain some of the physics behind the six numbers. It might be confusing to people who have very little knowledge about physics and the universe.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that are interested in physics, especially astrophysics, and have some knowledge of physics.