This Explains Everything
In 'This Explains Everything,' editor John Brockman curates a fascinating collection of essays from leading thinkers and innovators, each offering their unique perspectives on the fundamental questions of existence. From science to philosophy, the contributors delve into topics that range from the origin of life to the complexities of human behavior. Through these thought-provoking insights, the book explores the intersection of knowledge and curiosity, igniting a spark for deeper exploration in the reader. Readers are left to ponder not just ‘what’ explains everything, but ‘how’ these ideas shape our understanding of the world. Join Brockman on a journey that challenges assumptions and encourages a relentless quest for clarity in a complex universe.
By John Brockman
Published: 2013
"In a world inundated with complexity, the pursuit of simple explanations is the most profound act of understanding."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
In This Explains Everything, John Brockman, founder and publisher of Edge.org, asked experts in numerous fields and disciplines to come up with their favorite explanations for everyday occurrences. Why do we recognize patterns? Is there such a thing as positive stress? Are we genetically programmed to be in conflict with each other? Those are just some of the 150 questions that the world's best scientific minds answer with elegant simplicity. With contributions from Jared Diamond, Richard Dawkins, Nassim Taleb, Brian Eno, Steven Pinker, and more, everything is explained in fun, uncomplicated terms that make the most complex concepts easy to comprehend.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from This Explains Everything
About the Author
John Brockman
John Brockman is an influential author, literary agent, and the founder of the Edge Foundation, an organization that promotes intellectual discourse on science and technology. He is best known for his writings on the intersection of science, culture, and society. Brockman has edited several notable anthologies including 'The Third Culture' (1995) and 'What Is Your Dangerous Idea?' (2009), which feature contributions from some of the leading thinkers in contemporary science and philosophy. His writing style is characterized by clarity, analytical depth, and a focus on thought-provoking concepts that challenge conventional wisdom.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- John Brockman
- Published
- January 2013
- Publisher
- Harper Perennial
- ISBN
- 0062230174
- Language
- English
- Pages
- N/A
- Genres
- Science and NatureScientific DiscoveriesEastern PhilosophyWestern PhilosophyCognitive PsychologyPhilosophy of MindPhilosophy
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
A Brief History of Time
Stephen Hawking
The Beginning of Infinity
David Deutsch
Three Scientists and Their Gods
Robert Wright
Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy
Bertrand Russell
Conscious
Annaka Harris
The Philosophy of Composition
Edgar Allan Poe
The Greatest Story Ever Told--So Far
Lawrence M. Krauss
Cognitive Psychology
Michael W. Eysenck, Mark T. Keane
The Fabric of Reality
David Deutsch
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol
Art of Doing Science and Engineering
Richard R. Hamming
The Enchiridion
Epictetus, James Harris
Darwin's Dangerous Idea
Daniel C. Dennett
A Philosophy of Walking
Frederic Gros
Infinite in All Directions
Freeman J. Dyson
The Crime of Reason
Robert B. Laughlin
The Phantom World, Or, the Philosophy of Spirits, Apparitions, &c.
Andrew Dickson White, Henry Christmas, Augustin Calmet
Coming of Age in the Milky Way
Timothy Ferris
The Order of Time
Carlo Rovelli
From Bacteria to Bach and Back
Daniel C. Dennett, Daniel Clement Dennett
The Ultimate Quotable Einstein
Albert Einstein
The Sunday Philosophy Club
Alexander McCall Smith
Invariances
Robert Nozick
TechGnosis
Erik Davis
36 Arguments for the Existence of God
Rebecca Goldstein
Dreams of a Final Theory
Steven Weinberg
History of Western Philosophy
Bertrand Russell
The Origins and History of Consciousness
Erich Neumann
Resurrection from the Underground
René Girard
The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory
Brian Greene
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations
Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.
View Collection
Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations
Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.
View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View Collection
Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations
Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
View Collection
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations
Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American author, scholar, and risk analyst, best known for his work on uncertainty, probability, and risk. His books, including The Black Swan and Antifragile, explore how rare and unpredictable events shape the world and how individuals and systems can become more resilient to shocks. Taleb’s insights on risk management have influenced fields ranging from finance to medicine, and he is known for his outspoken criticism of conventional wisdom. His ideas about randomness, decision-making, and the limitations of human knowledge have made him a leading thinker in modern economics and philosophy.
View Collection
Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations
Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.
View Collection
Peter Thiel's Book Recommendations
Peter Thiel is a renowned entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author best known for co-founding PayPal and Palantir Technologies. He played a pivotal role in the early growth of Facebook as its first outside investor. Thiel's literary contributions include his influential book "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future," which offers insights into innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of technology. A prominent figure in Silicon Valley, he has significantly impacted the tech industry's landscape through his investments and thought leadership. Thiel's work continues to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators around the world.
View Collection
Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations
Brian Armstrong is a renowned entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding and leading Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange. His literary contributions include insightful writings on the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. Armstrong's work has been pivotal in demystifying complex financial systems for a broader audience. Beyond his business acumen, his thought leadership in publications and public speaking engagements has cemented his status as a key voice in the fintech revolution. His dedication to innovation continues to influence the trajectory of global financial systems.
View Collection
Steven Pinker's Book Recommendations
Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, linguist, and author, best known for his work on language, the mind, and human nature. Pinker has written several best-selling books, including The Better Angels of Our Nature and Enlightenment Now, where he argues that human progress is real and measurable, often citing data to show that violence, poverty, and other negative trends have been declining over time. He is also a professor at Harvard University and a frequent public intellectual who speaks on topics related to science, reason, and progress. Pinker’s optimistic view of human development has made him a leading figure in modern intellectual discourse.
View Collection
Mark Cuban's Book Recommendations
Mark Cuban is an American entrepreneur, investor, and television personality, best known as the owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and a "shark" on the TV show "Shark Tank." While he is primarily recognized for his business acumen, Cuban is also an author, having written the book "How to Win at the Sport of Business," which provides insights into his journey and strategies for success. His contributions to literature focus on imparting practical business advice and sharing his experiences as a self-made billionaire. Cuban's writing is praised for its straightforward, no-nonsense approach, making complex business concepts accessible to a broad audience. Through his book and numerous articles, he continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
View Collection
Tim Ferriss's Book Recommendations
Tim Ferriss is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and podcast host, best known for his book The 4-Hour Workweek, which advocates for designing a lifestyle of financial and personal freedom through efficiency and outsourcing. He has written several other books, including Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors, compiling lessons from interviews with high achievers across industries. Ferriss’s podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, is one of the most popular in the world, where he interviews leaders and influencers about their habits, strategies, and personal development. He is known for his emphasis on productivity, health, and optimizing performance.
View Collection
Brendon Burchard's Book Recommendations
Brendon Burchard is a high-performance coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, best known for his books High Performance Habits and The Motivation Manifesto. He helps individuals and organizations achieve peak performance through strategies focused on clarity, energy, and productivity. Brendon’s work emphasizes the importance of personal growth and developing habits that lead to sustained success. He has coached Fortune 500 CEOs, Olympians, and other high-achieving individuals. Brendon is also the founder of the High Performance Academy, where he trains people to lead more impactful and successful lives.
View Collection
Paul Stamets's Book Recommendations
Paul Stamets is an American mycologist, author, and entrepreneur, widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on fungi and their potential to benefit humanity. His work focuses on the medicinal properties of mushrooms and their role in ecological restoration. Stamets has authored several books, including Mycelium Running, which explores how mushrooms can help save ecosystems. He is also the founder of Fungi Perfecti, a business that provides mushroom-based products for health and environmental sustainability. Stamets is a strong advocate for research into the healing powers of fungi.
View Collection
Sahil Lavingia's Book Recommendations
Sahil Lavingia is an accomplished entrepreneur and writer, best known as the founder and CEO of Gumroad, a platform that enables creators to sell products directly to consumers. His book "The Minimalist Entrepreneur" distills his philosophy on building sustainable, lean startups that prioritize long-term vision and customer value over rapid scaling. Lavingia's work has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to focus on simplicity and self-reliance. Additionally, he is recognized for his thoughtful essays and blog posts that delve into the intersection of technology, business, and creativity. Through his contributions to literature and his leadership at Gumroad, Lavingia has significantly influenced modern startup culture.
View Collection
Brian Greene's Book Recommendations
Brian Greene is an American theoretical physicist and author, best known for his work on string theory and popularizing science through his books and media appearances. Greene’s books, including The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, have helped bring complex concepts in physics to a general audience. He is also the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which promotes public engagement with scientific topics. Greene’s research and ability to communicate scientific ideas have made him one of the most influential figures in theoretical physics. His work continues to inspire curiosity about the universe and our understanding of it.
View Collection“In a world inundated with complexity, the pursuit of simple explanations is the most profound act of understanding.”
This Explains Everything
By John Brockman
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.