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It Could Be Otherwise: Science in the Age of Uncertainty
A profound argument for science that embraces uncertainty and promotes possibility, creativity, and the belief that we can shape, if not determine, our future.
“This wise book challenges everything we take for granted about thinking scientifically.” —Annie Duke, bestselling author of Thinking in Bets
The search for certainty is embedded deep in the mythos of science. Science is expected to provide definitive answers based on immutable and universal laws. In It Could Be Otherwise, however, neuroscientist Stuart Firestein challenges this idea, extending the reach of science beyond merely discerning what must be to encompassing what may yet be possible.
The classic view of science, Firestein argues, reduces the world to bland predictability and us to our fates. Instead, modern discoveries of deep uncertainty, even unknowability, in evolution, complexity, physics, and all sciences, show that our actions are not strictly governed—and that science is an agent of freedom.
In our contemporary age, suspicion of science and its certainties runs deep. It Could Be Otherwise argues that science isn’t about deciphering what the universe has already determined—instead, science offers possibilities. It invites us not to be prisoners of destiny but navigators of our own futures.
“This wise book challenges everything we take for granted about thinking scientifically.” —Annie Duke, bestselling author of Thinking in Bets
The search for certainty is embedded deep in the mythos of science. Science is expected to provide definitive answers based on immutable and universal laws. In It Could Be Otherwise, however, neuroscientist Stuart Firestein challenges this idea, extending the reach of science beyond merely discerning what must be to encompassing what may yet be possible.
The classic view of science, Firestein argues, reduces the world to bland predictability and us to our fates. Instead, modern discoveries of deep uncertainty, even unknowability, in evolution, complexity, physics, and all sciences, show that our actions are not strictly governed—and that science is an agent of freedom.
In our contemporary age, suspicion of science and its certainties runs deep. It Could Be Otherwise argues that science isn’t about deciphering what the universe has already determined—instead, science offers possibilities. It invites us not to be prisoners of destiny but navigators of our own futures.
- GenresScienceNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Stuart Firestein
8 books60 followersStuart Firestein is an American neuroscientiest and biologist.
After earning his Ph.D. in neurobiology, Firestein was a researcher at Yale Medical School, then joined Columbia University in 1993. At the Columbia University Department of Biological Sciences, Firestein is now studying the sense of smell.
Dedicated to promoting the accessibility of science to a public audience, Dr. Firestein seeks to reach broader audiences through nonscientific writing, public appearances, and his support of science in the arts.
After earning his Ph.D. in neurobiology, Firestein was a researcher at Yale Medical School, then joined Columbia University in 1993. At the Columbia University Department of Biological Sciences, Firestein is now studying the sense of smell.
Dedicated to promoting the accessibility of science to a public audience, Dr. Firestein seeks to reach broader audiences through nonscientific writing, public appearances, and his support of science in the arts.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 7, 2026
I really liked this book. First heard about it on a podcast and thought it was an interesting topic. Firestein is a great writer, with well structured sentences and great word choice. Glad I was reading on the Kindle edition, because I had to look up a few of those words. He also mentions complexity science (aka chaos theory) and that's one of my favorite science topics.
This book is part essay, part science history, and part "wondering out loud." What if science wasn't about certainty, but uncertainty. Firestein makes his case, with lots of quotes and citations, on what that's a good thing. Book is full of examples. Strangely, he never mentions string theory or dark matter, two of science's biggest areas of uncertainty.
If you like science books that are well written, this is a book you should consider reading. It's inspired me to look up some of the other books he referenced.
This book is part essay, part science history, and part "wondering out loud." What if science wasn't about certainty, but uncertainty. Firestein makes his case, with lots of quotes and citations, on what that's a good thing. Book is full of examples. Strangely, he never mentions string theory or dark matter, two of science's biggest areas of uncertainty.
If you like science books that are well written, this is a book you should consider reading. It's inspired me to look up some of the other books he referenced.
August 25, 2026
It started off interesting but the writing style wore on me as I continued reading. Smug seems a bit strong, but the “aren’t I clever?” Question seemed to lurk so the it grated by the end. Also, dinged a star for the lack of footnotes. Science , particularly academically based research is in need of friends right now. I don’t think this book will convert many new followers.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews