When I went in search of my next science read – Reality is Not What it Seems by Carlo Rovelli – I came across another title by Rovelli. Aptly titled Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, this book comes in at just under 100 pages.

Described by some reviewers as a primer for his other books, I decided to squeeze it in before tackling Reality later this month.

Rovelli’s short book covers seven lessons – concepts in Physics that we should know about, even at only a superficial level. Rovelli does an incredible job making concepts, which can easily be overwhelming, easy to understand.

The First Lesson, which introduces readers to Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, is the only chapter that includes an equation, and the author only includes it to point out how simple it is! Otherwise, the book sticks to broad visions and metaphors to simplify some very complex concepts.

The Second Lesson introduces quantum mechanics. Rovelli contrasts the simple and coherent general theory of relativity with the mysterious and somewhat incomprehensible quantum theory. In one of many humorous quips found throughout this book, Rovelli shares that Einstein, who came up with the general theory of relativity “didn’t miss any occasion to grumble that this [quantum theory] did not make much sense.”

The Third Lesson looks at how the Cosmos is conceptualized – what the author describes as the macrocosmic structure of the universe. He starts with our simplest understanding of the cosmos (sky above, earth below) and ends with our expanding universe resulting from the big bang.

The Fourth Lesson continues with the microcosm of elementary particles, looking at photons, electrons, protons, quarks, and Higgs Bosons.

The Fifth Lesson delves into Quantum Gravity, the field of study that looks to resolves the contradictions that exist between general relativity and quantum mechanics – and the paradox that somehow both theories work well. This chapter serves as a great introduction to Rovelli’s Reality is Not What it Seems. As an aside, Rovelli’s description of black holes in this chapter had me searching my shelves for Brian Greene’s Icarus at the Edge of Time.

Finally, the Sixth Lesson goes gets into probability, time and the heat of black holes. Full disclosure – this was my favorite chapter because it was so fascinating. Rovelli shows again and again his ability to break down concepts that have been tormenting students forever, and state them in such a way that you will find yourself nodding along, finding yourself understanding these things. You might not be ready for an internship at CERN, but you should come away with a clear understanding of why probability is at the heart of physics. Added note – Rovelli has another title – The Order of Time – that came out after Reality and continues his discussion of quantum gravity with a focus on the nature and reality of time.

The final chapter is the seventh lesson, looking at the role we as humans play in the universe. We play the role of observer (an important distinction in Physics) but we are a part of the world, so we don’t fit the bill of External Observer. This final lesson is more philosophy than physics but neatly ties together the book.

This book is a gem – short enough to read in an afternoon or two, clear enough to come away feeling like you grasped most of what the author was saying, and peppered with humor. I don’t usually laugh out loud while reading physics book, but I did with this one.

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