Last Unknowns: Deep, Elegant, Profound Unanswered Questions About the Universe, the Mind

The Last Unknowns is a collection of profound questions that address the secrets of our world, civilization, and the meaning of life, asked by a mind-blowing gathering of innovative thinkers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Discover the Universe's Last Unknowns: Unanswered Questions That Obsess the World's Finest Minds

In this captivating exploration, John Brockman, the publisher of Edge.org, delves into the depths of the unknown, presenting a collection of profound questions that have captivated the minds of the greatest thinkers across various disciplines. From Nobel laureates to cosmologists, philosophers, economists, novelists, religious scholars, and over 250 leading scientists, artists, and theorists, The Last Unknowns unravels the secrets of our world, civilization, and the very essence of life.

The book opens with a foreword by Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel Prize-winning author of Thinking, Fast and Slow, emphasizing the profound nature of these inquiries. Brockman poses a thought-provoking question: "What is 'The Last Question,' the one question that will remain with you as your last question, the one for which you will be remembered?" This sets the tone for the subsequent chapters, which delve into the deepest riddles that have fascinated and haunted the greatest minds of our time.

Each chapter in The Last Unknowns features a diverse range of innovative thinkers who offer their perspectives on these enigmatic questions. From Jared Diamond, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel, to Richard Thaler, a Nobel Prize-winning economist from the University of Chicago, and Steven Pinker, a renowned Harvard psychologist, these experts provide insights and theories that challenge our understanding of the world.

The book explores a wide array of topics, including the nature of consciousness, the origins of life, the meaning of existence, the future of humanity, and the challenges posed by technology and artificial intelligence. The questions posed are thought-provoking and often complex, requiring readers to engage in critical thinking and introspection.

One of the standout features of The Last Unknowns is its accessibility. While the subject matter may be complex, Brockman's writing style is clear and concise, making it accessible to a broad audience. The book is filled with fascinating anecdotes, historical references, and thought-provoking quotes that enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the topics discussed.

In conclusion, The Last Unknowns is a must-read for anyone who seeks to explore the boundaries of knowledge and understanding. With its insightful questions, diverse perspectives, and engaging writing style, this book offers a glimpse into the minds of the greatest thinkers of our time and provides a roadmap for navigating the unknowns of our world.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 128 x 184 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062897947