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T恤上的宇宙：尋找宇宙萬物的終極理論
如果宇宙運行的道理，簡短到能夠印在一件T恤上，那會是什麼呢？
讓最會說故事的科普作家佛克帶你橫跨古今，
探究連愛因斯坦、費曼和霍金都無法破解的終極謎團……
沒有一項科學任務能和「了解宇宙的關鍵」相比，所謂宇宙的關鍵，就是那難以捉摸的「萬有理論」。自科學發展以來，物理學家一直在做的，就是找出這個最核心的理論，來解釋我們身處的宇宙。
古希臘人說：一切都是水，一切都是原子。
哥白尼說：太陽是我們這個星系的中心，地球是繞著它轉的。
克卜勒提出了三個行星運動定律，伽利略寫下v = v0 + gt，牛頓不甘示弱寫下F = ma。
馬克士威有電磁方程組，愛因斯坦有E = mc2，薛丁格有非死非活的貓。
最後的終極理論，會是廣義相對論加上量子理論嗎？弦論和M理論也將占有一席之地？
本書是人類追求這個物理聖杯的故事，作者佛克把這個動人的故事嵌入歷史的軸線，從古希臘人寫到牛頓、馬克士威與愛因斯坦的突破，一直到最新的弦論，以及現今的物理學界為整合量子理論與廣義相對論所做的努力。今日物理學家使用的方法非常複雜，但目標卻很簡單，與古代希臘人沒什麼兩樣——他們都追求一個簡單而統一的理論，企圖用最少的假設，來解釋最多的現象。而這個理論應該簡單到能夠寫在一件T恤上。
本書作者佛克，是個獲獎無數的科普作家，他擁有絕妙的本事，能找出最恰當的譬喻，把困難而重要的物理概念說得淺白易懂（如果你看過佛克的暢銷作品《探索時間之謎》，一定會非常認同）。在《T恤上的宇宙》中，他就像那些執著的物理學家一樣，試圖用最簡單的語言描述宏大的宇宙概念，並且帶出一連串精采的科學故事，把科學家的哲思和個人觀點都清楚地表達出來。
在佛克生動的描述下，那些我們熟悉的人物全都活過來了。你會看到胖嘟嘟的第谷和瘦弱的克卜勒、故意把托勒密系統寫得笨拙愚鈍的伽利略、只想組裝水車而不願意照顧農作物的牛頓，還有每天默默在專利局進行頭腦體操的愛因斯坦。這些著名的科學家，或許都曾片斷地留在你的記憶中，經過佛克巧妙的安排，你會看到他們串連成一個整體，刻畫出清晰的科學發展脈絡。那些熟悉但令人困惑的理論和公式，突然間全都有了意義！
我們的日常生活深受現代物理影響，若沒有物理學家奠定的理論基礎，就不會有電腦、網路、手機、微波爐、衛星導航等科技產品。如果你想了解世界運作的基本原理，或是好奇理論物理學家究竟在做些什麼，本書是最適合你的佳作。佛克筆下的世界是個精采的舞台，科學家輪番上陣展現他們獨特的性格，充滿戲劇張力又深具啟發性。他們將重燃你渴望探索世界的熱情，你會發現世界變得更大，卻也更清晰了。
讓最會說故事的科普作家佛克帶你橫跨古今，
探究連愛因斯坦、費曼和霍金都無法破解的終極謎團……
沒有一項科學任務能和「了解宇宙的關鍵」相比，所謂宇宙的關鍵，就是那難以捉摸的「萬有理論」。自科學發展以來，物理學家一直在做的，就是找出這個最核心的理論，來解釋我們身處的宇宙。
古希臘人說：一切都是水，一切都是原子。
哥白尼說：太陽是我們這個星系的中心，地球是繞著它轉的。
克卜勒提出了三個行星運動定律，伽利略寫下v = v0 + gt，牛頓不甘示弱寫下F = ma。
馬克士威有電磁方程組，愛因斯坦有E = mc2，薛丁格有非死非活的貓。
最後的終極理論，會是廣義相對論加上量子理論嗎？弦論和M理論也將占有一席之地？
本書是人類追求這個物理聖杯的故事，作者佛克把這個動人的故事嵌入歷史的軸線，從古希臘人寫到牛頓、馬克士威與愛因斯坦的突破，一直到最新的弦論，以及現今的物理學界為整合量子理論與廣義相對論所做的努力。今日物理學家使用的方法非常複雜，但目標卻很簡單，與古代希臘人沒什麼兩樣——他們都追求一個簡單而統一的理論，企圖用最少的假設，來解釋最多的現象。而這個理論應該簡單到能夠寫在一件T恤上。
本書作者佛克，是個獲獎無數的科普作家，他擁有絕妙的本事，能找出最恰當的譬喻，把困難而重要的物理概念說得淺白易懂（如果你看過佛克的暢銷作品《探索時間之謎》，一定會非常認同）。在《T恤上的宇宙》中，他就像那些執著的物理學家一樣，試圖用最簡單的語言描述宏大的宇宙概念，並且帶出一連串精采的科學故事，把科學家的哲思和個人觀點都清楚地表達出來。
在佛克生動的描述下，那些我們熟悉的人物全都活過來了。你會看到胖嘟嘟的第谷和瘦弱的克卜勒、故意把托勒密系統寫得笨拙愚鈍的伽利略、只想組裝水車而不願意照顧農作物的牛頓，還有每天默默在專利局進行頭腦體操的愛因斯坦。這些著名的科學家，或許都曾片斷地留在你的記憶中，經過佛克巧妙的安排，你會看到他們串連成一個整體，刻畫出清晰的科學發展脈絡。那些熟悉但令人困惑的理論和公式，突然間全都有了意義！
我們的日常生活深受現代物理影響，若沒有物理學家奠定的理論基礎，就不會有電腦、網路、手機、微波爐、衛星導航等科技產品。如果你想了解世界運作的基本原理，或是好奇理論物理學家究竟在做些什麼，本書是最適合你的佳作。佛克筆下的世界是個精采的舞台，科學家輪番上陣展現他們獨特的性格，充滿戲劇張力又深具啟發性。他們將重燃你渴望探索世界的熱情，你會發現世界變得更大，卻也更清晰了。
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2002
33 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Dan Falk
12 books44 followersI'm a science journalist, author, and broadcaster based in Toronto, Canada. I've written three books so far: My first book, Universe on a T-Shirt, looked at the quest for a unified theory of physics, while In Search of Time explored the physics and philosophy of time.
I'm very excited about my new book, The Science of Shakespeare, to be published this April! This time I turn the clock back 400 years, investigating the period we now call the Scientific Revolution, and looking at the interplay between science and literature in the age of Shakespeare.
The book is published in the U.S. by St. Martin's Press and in Canada by Goose Lane.
Visit my website at www.danfalk.ca -- I'd love to hear what you think of my books!
I'm very excited about my new book, The Science of Shakespeare, to be published this April! This time I turn the clock back 400 years, investigating the period we now call the Scientific Revolution, and looking at the interplay between science and literature in the age of Shakespeare.
The book is published in the U.S. by St. Martin's Press and in Canada by Goose Lane.
Visit my website at www.danfalk.ca -- I'd love to hear what you think of my books!
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December 6, 2017
Science, as our explanation for the outer world is always flawed. We have always strived for this theory to explain everything throughout history. I find the last chapter very interesting because it talked about some fallacies that the scientist makes. We assume that the universe should be one unified theory, one that explains everything, simplifies the universe into something that can fit on a T- Shirt. Yet it is important to realise that just because unified theories worked in the past does not guarantee the entire universe works like this. The mistake here is that they believe a unified theory is super important. However, science is our tool for the understanding of the universe, so I believe it is more important to make the universe a known place first and use the information we have and need to create things that benefits humanity. Theories helps us understand our findings, but that should not be the end of everything. Theories are ultimately theories. Theories are for the understanding of the unknown, but in the end, just assumptions. We are making imperfect, indirect observations of the universe through tools and sometimes just theories and nothing more.
At the end of the day, science is a belief, not 100% a religion, but in many ways it is. If facts are 100% then there would be no theories. We are hoping that our theories are the theory of everything, even if we can prove the practicality of something doesn't mean we understand it. We just think there is no other explanations when we might just not know it.
In the end, humans are just trying to understand. We are afraid of the unknown, the uncontrollable. Yet it is important not to be blinded by the idea of this theory of everything that we stop our quest for finding. I suppose I'm trying to make the point of the correlation between the reality that we think it is and the one that it actually is. As David Hume stated, we couldn't be sure of anything. We just assumes these things for the hope that it will work the next time. Certainty doesn't exist in this chaotic universe. All we can do it to think, to theorise, to discover, to use the knowledge we gained. I suppose the Newton example is pretty good. Mercury's orbit was not matched with the actual movements. The main thing to find out is how to attain a more accurate representation of the universe and sometimes, perhaps the practicality of these findings and what we can do with these findings are what really matters. Although sometimes we don't know what one finding will bring, its potential.
The theory of everything is like you are walking towards the door, but with every step, you half the distance you walk. We might not be able to reach the final goal, but humans are not perfect. This is why science never ends. We keep finding, keep discovering, keep inventing, to have a better theory about this mysterious universe.
At the end of the day, science is a belief, not 100% a religion, but in many ways it is. If facts are 100% then there would be no theories. We are hoping that our theories are the theory of everything, even if we can prove the practicality of something doesn't mean we understand it. We just think there is no other explanations when we might just not know it.
In the end, humans are just trying to understand. We are afraid of the unknown, the uncontrollable. Yet it is important not to be blinded by the idea of this theory of everything that we stop our quest for finding. I suppose I'm trying to make the point of the correlation between the reality that we think it is and the one that it actually is. As David Hume stated, we couldn't be sure of anything. We just assumes these things for the hope that it will work the next time. Certainty doesn't exist in this chaotic universe. All we can do it to think, to theorise, to discover, to use the knowledge we gained. I suppose the Newton example is pretty good. Mercury's orbit was not matched with the actual movements. The main thing to find out is how to attain a more accurate representation of the universe and sometimes, perhaps the practicality of these findings and what we can do with these findings are what really matters. Although sometimes we don't know what one finding will bring, its potential.
The theory of everything is like you are walking towards the door, but with every step, you half the distance you walk. We might not be able to reach the final goal, but humans are not perfect. This is why science never ends. We keep finding, keep discovering, keep inventing, to have a better theory about this mysterious universe.
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April 3, 2025Book Review: Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything by Dan Falk
Overview
In Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything, Dan Falk embarks on an engaging exploration of one of the most profound questions in modern science: the search for a unified theory that explains the fundamental workings of the universe. Through a blend of historical context, scientific explanation, and philosophical inquiry, Falk elucidates the efforts of physicists to distill complex concepts into a cohesive framework, akin to wearing the universe on a t-shirt. Published in 2003, the book serves both as an introduction to the principles of theoretical physics and a commentary on the human desire to understand our place in the cosmos.
Key Themes
The Historical Journey of Scientific Thought: Falk meticulously traces the evolution of scientific thought from Newtonian mechanics to quantum theory and relativity. He highlights the contributions of pivotal figures such as Einstein, Hawking, and string theorists, illustrating how each step in this journey reflects a deeper understanding of the universe. By situating these developments within their historical context, Falk provides readers with a comprehensive view of how scientific paradigms shift over time.
Complexity Made Accessible: One of Falk’s notable achievements is his ability to simplify complex scientific concepts for a general audience. He utilizes metaphors and analogies effectively, making challenging topics like quantum entanglement and the fabric of spacetime approachable. This accessibility is crucial in bridging the gap between specialized scientific discourse and public understanding, promoting greater interest in physics among lay readers.
Philosophical Implications: Falk goes beyond mere scientific exposition to explore the philosophical implications of a unified theory. He engages with questions about the nature of reality, the limits of human understanding, and the implications of a theory of everything for our conception of existence. This philosophical inquiry enriches the narrative, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings embedded within scientific discoveries.
The Interplay of Science and Culture: The book examines how scientific endeavors are intertwined with cultural narratives. Falk discusses how the quest for a theory of everything resonates with humanity’s age-old quest for meaning and understanding. He articulates that science does not exist in a vacuum but is influenced by the cultural, social, and intellectual currents of its time.
The Future of Physics: In wrapping up his exploration, Falk speculates on the future directions of theoretical physics and the ongoing challenges scientists face in their quest for a unified theory. He discusses emerging concepts such as string theory and M-theory, highlighting both the promise and the controversies surrounding these ideas. This forward-looking perspective encourages readers to remain curious about the evolving landscape of scientific inquiry.
Conclusion
Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything is a thought-provoking and accessible examination of one of science’s most ambitious pursuits. Dan Falk successfully combines historical narrative, scientific elucidation, and philosophical inquiry to create a compelling narrative that illuminates the complexities of the universe.
This book is highly recommended for students, educators, and general readers interested in science. By making advanced concepts approachable and engaging, Falk not only broadens the reader’s understanding of theoretical physics but also inspires a sense of wonder about the universe we inhabit. Its blend of information and insight solidifies Universe on a T-Shirt as a significant contribution to popular science literature, making it a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of existence.
Overview
In Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything, Dan Falk embarks on an engaging exploration of one of the most profound questions in modern science: the search for a unified theory that explains the fundamental workings of the universe. Through a blend of historical context, scientific explanation, and philosophical inquiry, Falk elucidates the efforts of physicists to distill complex concepts into a cohesive framework, akin to wearing the universe on a t-shirt. Published in 2003, the book serves both as an introduction to the principles of theoretical physics and a commentary on the human desire to understand our place in the cosmos.
Key Themes
The Historical Journey of Scientific Thought: Falk meticulously traces the evolution of scientific thought from Newtonian mechanics to quantum theory and relativity. He highlights the contributions of pivotal figures such as Einstein, Hawking, and string theorists, illustrating how each step in this journey reflects a deeper understanding of the universe. By situating these developments within their historical context, Falk provides readers with a comprehensive view of how scientific paradigms shift over time.
Complexity Made Accessible: One of Falk’s notable achievements is his ability to simplify complex scientific concepts for a general audience. He utilizes metaphors and analogies effectively, making challenging topics like quantum entanglement and the fabric of spacetime approachable. This accessibility is crucial in bridging the gap between specialized scientific discourse and public understanding, promoting greater interest in physics among lay readers.
Philosophical Implications: Falk goes beyond mere scientific exposition to explore the philosophical implications of a unified theory. He engages with questions about the nature of reality, the limits of human understanding, and the implications of a theory of everything for our conception of existence. This philosophical inquiry enriches the narrative, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings embedded within scientific discoveries.
The Interplay of Science and Culture: The book examines how scientific endeavors are intertwined with cultural narratives. Falk discusses how the quest for a theory of everything resonates with humanity’s age-old quest for meaning and understanding. He articulates that science does not exist in a vacuum but is influenced by the cultural, social, and intellectual currents of its time.
The Future of Physics: In wrapping up his exploration, Falk speculates on the future directions of theoretical physics and the ongoing challenges scientists face in their quest for a unified theory. He discusses emerging concepts such as string theory and M-theory, highlighting both the promise and the controversies surrounding these ideas. This forward-looking perspective encourages readers to remain curious about the evolving landscape of scientific inquiry.
Conclusion
Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything is a thought-provoking and accessible examination of one of science’s most ambitious pursuits. Dan Falk successfully combines historical narrative, scientific elucidation, and philosophical inquiry to create a compelling narrative that illuminates the complexities of the universe.
This book is highly recommended for students, educators, and general readers interested in science. By making advanced concepts approachable and engaging, Falk not only broadens the reader’s understanding of theoretical physics but also inspires a sense of wonder about the universe we inhabit. Its blend of information and insight solidifies Universe on a T-Shirt as a significant contribution to popular science literature, making it a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of existence.
October 10, 2025
《T恤上的宇宙》是本簡單易懂的物理史，講述我們追尋萬有理論的思想之旅。
這段旅程始於一個問題：如果宇宙運行的道理，要濃縮到印在一件T恤上，那會是什麼？
作者佛克由古希臘的科學思想談起。當時的科學概念雖然還在粗糙的萌芽階段，但人類對宇宙的探索，對自然基礎結構的思考，早在此時就已經開始了。
但當時的科學，其實還算不上是獨立的知識體系，玄學、哲學、怪力亂神甚至魔術全都混雜在一起，科學知識中的糟粕相當多。
真正具有現代意義的科學思想革命，或許可說是始於哥白尼。他公開挑戰托勒密以地球為宇宙中心的觀點，並為此著書立說；第谷這位偉大的觀察家，為世人提供海量的觀星資料，直接促成克卜勒的三大行星運動定律。克卜勒直言他透過天文學的努力來榮耀神。此時的科學與宗教，就像處於蜜月期的一對愛侶：兩者不但並不對立，甚至相輔相成。
但說到現代科學的誕生，就不得不提伽利略與牛頓。他們將物理學奠基在數學上，用以解釋和預測種種物理現象；至此，「機械宇宙觀」便成為普遍接受的物理觀點：宇宙是部龐大而神秘的機器，卻有必然的規律可從。只要我們能撥開當中的物理迷霧，便能解讀宇宙的秘密法則，解釋和預測宇宙中種種看似神秘，實則必然的物理現象。
如果說一般夫妻關係難敵七年之癢，那麼，宗教與科學的這段霧水情緣，似乎也難敵「百年之痕」——伽利略因他的「太陽中心論」而被宗教裁判所軟禁八年，死於家中。這段歷史都表明當時科學的研究，只能榮耀上帝，卻絕對不能挑戰宗教權威——伽利略的慘痛遭遇，為宗教與科學這段因誤會而結合的姻緣，劃下了不能修補的裂痕。
牛頓是物理學界中的天皇巨星，他生性孤僻，卻幾近以一人之力撐起當時物理學的半邊天：從微積分、光學到力學，都可見證他那團不熄的智慧藍焰；當中的三大力學定律，影響力更可說是震古鑠今：當代工程師以牛頓的力學定律作為力學設計的圭臬，並成為高中理科學生的必修課程了。
話雖如此，牛頓定律描述出來的機械宇宙圖像，還遠遠不足以涵蓋整個現實世界——直到十七世紀初，我們對電和磁的理解，還停留在古希臘時代。
多得厄司特、法拉第和馬克士威的共同努力，接棒跑完這場電磁物理的接力賽：厄司特發現為電動力學奠基，法拉第發現電池感應，而馬克士威則將他們的結果整合，提出所有「馬克士威方程組」，描述電磁之間的緊密關係。馬克士威方程組，再加上牛頓的三大力學定律，發展至此，萬有定律算是有個立基的框架了。
馬克士威方程式是一條波動方程式，是嫁接電場與磁場的橋樑，它預測了某種波的存在，一如聲波是由震動的空氣分子組成，這種波則是由電場和磁場的振動所構成。而這種波的速度，竟然等同光速！
愛因斯坦是物理學界的另一位巨星，他的靈感，來自馬克士威方程所表現的數學美感，甚至促使他開始思考「光速是一個恆定的常數」的預測。愛因斯坦的天才之處，或許就在於他能超脫恆久且普遍接受的固有觀念。只要將光速視為一個恆定的不變常數，宇宙間的終極速度，我們對絕對時間和絕對空間的概念就勢必分崩離析；時間會在不同的地方以不同速度運行，它的快慢取決觀察者之間的相對速度。
相對論的數學當然不可能簡單到那裡，但它的概念，雖然有違我們的直覺，卻絕非艱深抽象到讓人望而生畏：狹義相對論所說的，就是當速度迫近光速的時候，所引致「時間膨漲」和「長度收縮」等現象；而廣義相對論，亦可用一句話籠統地總結：質量指引時空如何彎曲，而彎曲的時空則指引質量如何移動。
相對論徹底推翻了我們對絕對時間與絕對空間的理解，修正了種種牛頓力學在極端環境遇到的尷尬局面。但接近十九世期末期，科學家又發現牛頓理論無法充份描述原子的領域。
早在古希臘時期，我們便有「原子」的概念。但要待到十九世紀，俄國科學家門德列夫發表了元素周期表——一種描述原子特性的規則的工具，今天已是化學教室必備的裝飾品。
但對原子結構的理解，當時所知仍十分有限。電子、質子、中子⋯⋯它們到底如何排列，科學家其實還不能說出個所以言來。雖然科學家提出多個原子模型，但它們解決的問題與帶來的新問題卻是一樣多。
另一個困擾物理學家更久、更難纏的問題，是熱體輻射的問題。採用馬克士威電磁學理論對於熱體輻射光譜所做的預測極不準確，結果只能說比瞎猜好。最終普朗克提出他的解答。
普朗克提出，熱體釋發出來的能量並不是連續的，而是特定大小的不連續封包。他稱最小的能量封包為「量子」。如此的理論自然與一貫廣受接受的「能源連續體」概念有所衝突，但量子理論的預測，卻完全吻合實驗數據——普朗克坦言對「量子」的物理意義並不清楚，純粹是眼前問題的權宜之計。他並不知道，此時的「權宜」正引發一場震撼物理學界的革命。
事實上，直到1920年，量子論理在「工具性」上都非常成功，但物理學家遠遠無法了解它的真正意義，更別說電子、質子等的能量行為了。其後發現電子及次原子粒子都顯示出波粒二象性，就更物理學家頭大了 。
不過才不過短短幾年，海森堡和薛丁格便將破碎的知識拼圖統合在一起，鑄成量子力學的波動方程式，薛丁格方程。
量子力學的一個核心概念，就是在量子世界中的任何度量，我們只能計算出不同結果的機率，卻無法預期某個必然結果；這等同判了「機械宇宙觀」的死刑——難怪愛因斯坦對量子力學始終保留，感歎「上帝不擲骰子」。
但量子力學的怪異之處還絕不止於此。科學家發現，量子理論意味著觀察者與被觀察物的微妙連結，在我們觀察之前，一顆粒子可以在任何地方，但「觀察」本身這個行為卻可讓疊加狀態的波函數「塌縮」，化成某個單一狀態的結果。
這些觀點顯然都不可思議。不過，當代物理學就憑相對論和量子理論，撐起整個現實世界的天空。這兩大理論是人類了解宇宙的思想利器，其作用顯得相輔相成，卻又水火不容——物理學界的聖杯，就是將這兩大理論統合，煉造解釋宇宙一切的「萬有理論」。
弦論被視為最有潛質的萬有理論。粗略來說，一切物質都由原子組成；而原子又由質子、電子和中子組成；這些原子又由更細的夸克組成；而夸克又是更細更細的弦（或膜）組成⋯⋯
這些理論或許可以讓我們越來越迫近萬有理論，卻與我們所能理解的現實世界越走越遠；在可見的未來裡，我們已經不可能指望「看見」夸克，而「弦」就更加是不可能；相對論之所以迷人，是它雖然複雜，但科學家總可以用相對簡單的方式向公眾解釋，這些理論是什麼的一回事，讓公眾有個「了解的幻覺」；但弦論卻顯然完全超越了一般公眾的理解能力，就算有人想努力了解，也絕對是吃苦難事。當一個理論與我們的現實有這麼大的理解落差，它又有什麼意義？別說理解弦論中的數學，單是十一維度的前設，就讓人在思考上完全水土不服，消化不良。它們是物理學，還純粹是美麗的數學而已？
或��弦論的哲學意義，就是標誌著人類了解宇宙的某種智慧極限。萬有理論或許已是上帝最後的一塊遮羞布了。而人類對真理的追尋，也正因永遠不完滿，而永遠值得繼續追尋。
《T恤上的宇宙》這趟知性之旅，雖然算是走馬看花，但對物理學有興趣、背景知識有限的朋友而言（如我），確是不可多得的好書。
這段旅程始於一個問題：如果宇宙運行的道理，要濃縮到印在一件T恤上，那會是什麼？
作者佛克由古希臘的科學思想談起。當時的科學概念雖然還在粗糙的萌芽階段，但人類對宇宙的探索，對自然基礎結構的思考，早在此時就已經開始了。
但當時的科學，其實還算不上是獨立的知識體系，玄學、哲學、怪力亂神甚至魔術全都混雜在一起，科學知識中的糟粕相當多。
真正具有現代意義的科學思想革命，或許可說是始於哥白尼。他公開挑戰托勒密以地球為宇宙中心的觀點，並為此著書立說；第谷這位偉大的觀察家，為世人提供海量的觀星資料，直接促成克卜勒的三大行星運動定律。克卜勒直言他透過天文學的努力來榮耀神。此時的科學與宗教，就像處於蜜月期的一對愛侶：兩者不但並不對立，甚至相輔相成。
但說到現代科學的誕生，就不得不提伽利略與牛頓。他們將物理學奠基在數學上，用以解釋和預測種種物理現象；至此，「機械宇宙觀」便成為普遍接受的物理觀點：宇宙是部龐大而神秘的機器，卻有必然的規律可從。只要我們能撥開當中的物理迷霧，便能解讀宇宙的秘密法則，解釋和預測宇宙中種種看似神秘，實則必然的物理現象。
如果說一般夫妻關係難敵七年之癢，那麼，宗教與科學的這段霧水情緣，似乎也難敵「百年之痕」——伽利略因他的「太陽中心論」而被宗教裁判所軟禁八年，死於家中。這段歷史都表明當時科學的研究，只能榮耀上帝，卻絕對不能挑戰宗教權威——伽利略的慘痛遭遇，為宗教與科學這段因誤會而結合的姻緣，劃下了不能修補的裂痕。
牛頓是物理學界中的天皇巨星，他生性孤僻，卻幾近以一人之力撐起當時物理學的半邊天：從微積分、光學到力學，都可見證他那團不熄的智慧藍焰；當中的三大力學定律，影響力更可說是震古鑠今：當代工程師以牛頓的力學定律作為力學設計的圭臬，並成為高中理科學生的必修課程了。
話雖如此，牛頓定律描述出來的機械宇宙圖像，還遠遠不足以涵蓋整個現實世界——直到十七世紀初，我們對電和磁的理解，還停留在古希臘時代。
多得厄司特、法拉第和馬克士威的共同努力，接棒跑完這場電磁物理的接力賽：厄司特發現為電動力學奠基，法拉第發現電池感應，而馬克士威則將他們的結果整合，提出所有「馬克士威方程組」，描述電磁之間的緊密關係。馬克士威方程組，再加上牛頓的三大力學定律，發展至此，萬有定律算是有個立基的框架了。
馬克士威方程式是一條波動方程式，是嫁接電場與磁場的橋樑，它預測了某種波的存在，一如聲波是由震動的空氣分子組成，這種波則是由電場和磁場的振動所構成。而這種波的速度，竟然等同光速！
愛因斯坦是物理學界的另一位巨星，他的靈感，來自馬克士威方程所表現的數學美感，甚至促使他開始思考「光速是一個恆定的常數」的預測。愛因斯坦的天才之處，或許就在於他能超脫恆久且普遍接受的固有觀念。只要將光速視為一個恆定的不變常數，宇宙間的終極速度，我們對絕對時間和絕對空間的概念就勢必分崩離析；時間會在不同的地方以不同速度運行，它的快慢取決觀察者之間的相對速度。
相對論的數學當然不可能簡單到那裡，但它的概念，雖然有違我們的直覺，卻絕非艱深抽象到讓人望而生畏：狹義相對論所說的，就是當速度迫近光速的時候，所引致「時間膨漲」和「長度收縮」等現象；而廣義相對論，亦可用一句話籠統地總結：質量指引時空如何彎曲，而彎曲的時空則指引質量如何移動。
相對論徹底推翻了我們對絕對時間與絕對空間的理解，修正了種種牛頓力學在極端環境遇到的尷尬局面。但接近十九世期末期，科學家又發現牛頓理論無法充份描述原子的領域。
早在古希臘時期，我們便有「原子」的概念。但要待到十九世紀，俄國科學家門德列夫發表了元素周期表——一種描述原子特性的規則的工具，今天已是化學教室必備的裝飾品。
但對原子結構的理解，當時所知仍十分有限。電子、質子、中子⋯⋯它們到底如何排列，科學家其實還不能說出個所以言來。雖然科學家提出多個原子模型，但它們解決的問題與帶來的新問題卻是一樣多。
另一個困擾物理學家更久、更難纏的問題，是熱體輻射的問題。採用馬克士威電磁學理論對於熱體輻射光譜所做的預測極不準確，結果只能說比瞎猜好。最終普朗克提出他的解答。
普朗克提出，熱體釋發出來的能量並不是連續的，而是特定大小的不連續封包。他稱最小的能量封包為「量子」。如此的理論自然與一貫廣受接受的「能源連續體」概念有所衝突，但量子理論的預測，卻完全吻合實驗數據——普朗克坦言對「量子」的物理意義並不清楚，純粹是眼前問題的權宜之計。他並不知道，此時的「權宜」正引發一場震撼物理學界的革命。
事實上，直到1920年，量子論理在「工具性」上都非常成功，但物理學家遠遠無法了解它的真正意義，更別說電子、質子等的能量行為了。其後發現電子及次原子粒子都顯示出波粒二象性，就更物理學家頭大了 。
不過才不過短短幾年，海森堡和薛丁格便將破碎的知識拼圖統合在一起，鑄成量子力學的波動方程式，薛丁格方程。
量子力學的一個核心概念，就是在量子世界中的任何度量，我們只能計算出不同結果的機率，卻無法預期某個必然結果；這等同判了「機械宇宙觀」的死刑——難怪愛因斯坦對量子力學始終保留，感歎「上帝不擲骰子」。
但量子力學的怪異之處還絕不止於此。科學家發現，量子理論意味著觀察者與被觀察物的微妙連結，在我們觀察之前，一顆粒子可以在任何地方，但「觀察」本身這個行為卻可讓疊加狀態的波函數「塌縮」，化成某個單一狀態的結果。
這些觀點顯然都不可思議。不過，當代物理學就憑相對論和量子理論，撐起整個現實世界的天空。這兩大理論是人類了解宇宙的思想利器，其作用顯得相輔相成，卻又水火不容——物理學界的聖杯，就是將這兩大理論統合，煉造解釋宇宙一切的「萬有理論」。
弦論被視為最有潛質的萬有理論。粗略來說，一切物質都由原子組成；而原子又由質子、電子和中子組成；這些原子又由更細的夸克組成；而夸克又是更細更細的弦（或膜）組成⋯⋯
這些理論或許可以讓我們越來越迫近萬有理論，卻與我們所能理解的現實世界越走越遠；在可見的未來裡，我們已經不可能指望「看見」夸克，而「弦」就更加是不可能；相對論之所以迷人，是它雖然複雜，但科學家總可以用相對簡單的方式向公眾解釋，這些理論是什麼的一回事，讓公眾有個「了解的幻覺」；但弦論卻顯然完全超越了一般公眾的理解能力，就算有人想努力了解，也絕對是吃苦難事。當一個理論與我們的現實有這麼大的理解落差，它又有什麼意義？別說理解弦論中的數學，單是十一維度的前設，就讓人在思考上完全水土不服，消化不良。它們是物理學，還純粹是美麗的數學而已？
或��弦論的哲學意義，就是標誌著人類了解宇宙的某種智慧極限。萬有理論或許已是上帝最後的一塊遮羞布了。而人類對真理的追尋，也正因永遠不完滿，而永遠值得繼續追尋。
《T恤上的宇宙》這趟知性之旅，雖然算是走馬看花，但對物理學有興趣、背景知識有限的朋友而言（如我），確是不可多得的好書。
March 13, 2023
I'd previously read Dan Falk's 'In Search of Time' and enjoyed it. Universe on a T-Shirt followed the same path. Both books talk above my 'pay grade' at points as they often deal with physics, something I really don't understand and the mathematics used to achieve goals. Me and math don't get along, not at all so I often find myself wondering what draws me to read such a book? Well Falk is pretty great at putting complexities into 'layman's' terms so that even the most challenged reader doesn't feel like he's attempting to read Greek without any knowledge of the language. The long and short of it is, humans wish to attain knowledge and understand their origins and the universe as a whole. In order to do this they want to take the least amount of 'steps' to obtain this wealth and find the answers in the simplest of terms. During this search Falk gives a history lesson in the sciences since the days of Greek philosophers up to twenty first string theorists. Most of it is captivating but, at times one can end up pretty lost in quantum theory. 'InSearch of Time' written before this novel is a bit more interesting and user friendly and because of that fact we land on 4 stars more or less because of my lack of intelligence as a reader.
March 2, 2020
At first I had many difficulties reading it, considering I had never studied physics in my life.
I wouldn't say it's an easy reading for non-physics; I would say the author was doing an excellent job writing it, because right now, a young women from Jerusalem who'd never studied the universe in her life, is knowing so much more about universe and life, at the moment.
I wouldn't say it's an easy reading for non-physics; I would say the author was doing an excellent job writing it, because right now, a young women from Jerusalem who'd never studied the universe in her life, is knowing so much more about universe and life, at the moment.
November 5, 2021
While the book is older (circa 2002) it is still serviceable. It mentions the Higgs boson and Gravitational Waves, but it does not go into depth on any of the subject it covers.
July 5, 2022
good edu read. read it while au pairing in Italy, then gifted it to the girl I was looking after upon my departure.
May 13, 2023
This is very old and outdated book (as physics books go), but it was still a really fun read. It was very easy and conversational and I loved it!
May 17, 2020
Brilliant. Everyone should read this book, especially if you are in a scientific field.
February 13, 2017
I never get bored reading this book. Simple yet profound.
March 10, 2011
Very accessible read about the progress that has been made in scientific knowledge since the days of Galileo and Aristotle all the way up to today, including a fascinating explanation of quantum mechanics and string theory. However, I don't understand why the author felt it necessary to conclude the book with a whole chapter about why he believes God doesn't exist (and, basically, why you shouldn't believe in God).
If you're looking for an interesting read that explains in layman's terms fairly complex science, I would recommend this book. If you're not interested in hearing why someone else doesn't believe in God, just tear the last chapter out. Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" is a similar book. It's a little slower, but it also doesn't have any of the presumptuous anti-God material that Falk's book does.
If you're looking for an interesting read that explains in layman's terms fairly complex science, I would recommend this book. If you're not interested in hearing why someone else doesn't believe in God, just tear the last chapter out. Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" is a similar book. It's a little slower, but it also doesn't have any of the presumptuous anti-God material that Falk's book does.
October 6, 2011
page 3- "When the answers are obvious, the problems seem trivial; when the answers are less obvious, th eproblem can take years or even centuries to solve."
But is is an answer significant just because it is elusive? Is physics important just because it is unknown to me?
I think, maybe, yes.
At least that is why I am reading - to find out.
But is is an answer significant just because it is elusive? Is physics important just because it is unknown to me?
I think, maybe, yes.
At least that is why I am reading - to find out.
July 17, 2011
Perhaps it's ironic (or perhaps it isn't) that it was Einstein himself who said, "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." This book is courageous, I'll give it that. But it's sure not genius.
July 16, 2007
A short easy read.
Pretty basic if you have read other stuff before.
May be good intro for others.
Pretty basic if you have read other stuff before.
May be good intro for others.
February 20, 2009
Kind of the canned "you don't know anything about physics, so I will tell you the story from the get go" book.
October 2, 2008
Very interstesting, fairly easy to follow string theory explanation without going too deep. Also, great quick history of science.
Read
April 19, 2014read my review here
June 12, 2016
Physics sucks the life out of poetry ."Religion is the debasement of drama into dogma " Irving Layton
Religious education is tantamount to child abuse , spread the word.
Religious education is tantamount to child abuse , spread the word.
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