The Big Picture

by Sean Carroll
The Big Picture cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Philosophy
Technical
  • ID: 4743
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781780746074
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-09-01
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Big Picture,' Sean Carroll embarks on a journey to understand our place in the cosmos, combining insights from Darwin, Einstein, and other great thinkers. He delves into the origins of life, consciousness, and the universe itself, offering a scientific worldview that seeks to reconcile human purpose with the immensity of the cosmos. /n/n Carroll's exploration is not just about the grand scale of the universe but also about how our capacity to comprehend it can give our lives meaning. This book is a testament to the power of human curiosity and our quest to find significance in the vast, often overwhelming, expanse of existence.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2017-02-01
thoughtful 3.50

The book is rich in detail and absorbing, though not always persuasive. It provides a thoughtful study on the meaning of life and the universe.

The reviewer found the book to be a thoughtful and detailed exploration of complex topics. They appreciated the depth of the study but noted that some arguments were not as persuasive as they could have been. The book delves into the fundamental questions of life and the universe, offering a comprehensive look at these profound subjects. While the reviewer enjoyed the detailed analysis, they felt that some of the conclusions might not fully convince everyone.

Quick quotes

    This is a thoughtful study, rich in detail and absorbing, though not always as persuasive as Carroll must have hoped.

    And I now know that at the heart of the book is a discussion of what it means to be human in a universe that is indifferent to our existence.

    Carroll's arguments are compelling, but they are not always persuasive.

The New York Times · Jim Holt · 2016-06-10
impressive 4.50

The book is vivid and impressive, succeeding spectacularly in its informative approach. It offers a splendidly informative perspective on complex topics.

The reviewer found the book to be vivid and impressive, noting that it succeeds spectacularly in its informative approach. They appreciated the book's ability to simplify complex topics and make them accessible to a wider audience. The reviewer highlighted the book's engaging style and the depth of information it provides, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the subjects covered. They particularly enjoyed the book's ability to make abstract concepts understandable and relatable.

Quick quotes

    Vivid . . . impressive. . . . Splendidly informative.

    Succeeds spectacularly.

    The Big Picture is a tour de force of popular science writing.

Backreaction · 2016-05-09
courageous 4.00

The book is courageous and overdue, tackling important issues in physics and philosophy. It is a significant contribution to the discourse.

The reviewer praised the book for its courageous approach to tackling important issues in physics and philosophy. They noted that the book is overdue and makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse. The reviewer appreciated the depth and breadth of the topics covered, highlighting the book's relevance and timeliness. They found the arguments presented to be compelling and thought-provoking, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in these subjects.

Quick quotes

    The Big Picture is, above everything, a courageous book – and an overdue one.

    I have had many arguments about exactly the issues that Sean Carroll addresses in this book.

    The Big Picture is a significant contribution to the discourse on the nature of reality and our place in the universe.

Appears in Lists