Physics of the Impossible

Physics of the Impossible cover
Good Books rating 3.5
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Technical
  • ID: 7489
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9780141919348
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2008-04-03
  • Reviews: 3

Physics of the Impossible takes readers on an exhilarating journey to the frontiers of science, exploring what we can realistically hope to achieve in the future. Author Michio Kaku delves into concepts like perpetual motion, force fields, invisibility, and teleportation, revealing which ideas align with the laws of physics and which remain truly impossible. The book provides an insightful look into how science fiction often becomes science fact, with everyday technologies once deemed impossible now part of our daily lives. Kaku's engaging and lucid writing makes complex scientific concepts accessible, offering an enlightening read for anyone curious about the future of technology and innovation. /n/n The book not only explores the scientific possibilities of various concepts but also discusses the societal and ethical implications of these advancements. Kaku's optimistic vision for the future is both inspiring and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to think critically about what might be achievable with continued scientific progress. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the potential of future technologies, this book offers a compelling exploration of the boundaries between science fiction and reality.

Reviews
The Independent · 706-08-20
fascinating 3.50

The book offers a serious look at the science behind futuristic ideas, making it a fascinating exploration of the impossible. It's a gateway to understanding the grey areas of science.

The Independent's review of 'Physics of the Impossible' praises it as a serious exploration of the science behind futuristic ideas. The book serves as a gateway to understanding the grey areas of science, making it a fascinating read. The reviewer appreciates how Kaku takes complex topics and makes them accessible to a wider audience. The book's engaging style and real-life examples make it both educational and enjoyable. However, some parts can be confusing, especially for those with little knowledge of physics.


Quick quotes

    What this book amounts to, in effect, is a serious look at the science behind all the crazy futuristic ideas.

    It is here that the book's strength lies: the impossible is a gateway for discussing what we still do not quite understand.

    Parts of this book were quite confusing, but overall it was relatively easy for someone with little knowledge of physics to understand.

Kara.reviews · Kara Babcock · 311-08-20
engaging 3.00

The book is engaging and accessible, blending pop culture with deep physics. It's a bit more 'pop sci' than other physics books, making it enjoyable for a wider audience.

Kara Babcock found 'Physics of the Impossible' to be a refreshing take on physics, blending pop culture with complex scientific concepts. She appreciates how the book makes advanced topics accessible without dumbing them down. The book's lively style and real-life examples make it enjoyable for both science enthusiasts and casual readers. However, she notes that it's a bit more 'pop sci' compared to other physics books she's read recently, which might make it less dense but equally engaging.


Quick quotes

    Physics of the Impossible is a little more 'pop sci' than many of the other physics books I've been reading lately.

    Kaku blends pop culture with deep physics in a way that's both entertaining and educational.

    The book is written for the layman, not dumbed down, just lots of real life examples.

Medium · Tosin Adeoti · 311-08-20
entertaining 4.00

The book successfully merges science fiction with real physics, making it both entertaining and educational. The author's love for science fiction is evident throughout the book.

Tosin Adeoti highlights how Michio Kaku's 'Physics of the Impossible' seamlessly blends science fiction with real-world physics. The author's passion for science fiction shines through, making the book both entertaining and educational. Adeoti appreciates how Kaku explains complex concepts in a way that's accessible to non-experts, using pop culture references to illustrate scientific principles. The book's engaging style makes it a enjoyable read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and fiction.


Quick quotes

    One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is how Kaku blends pop culture with deep physics.

    His love for science fiction is evident, and he uses it to explain complex scientific concepts.

    The book is written in a way that makes it accessible to non-experts, using real-life examples.