What We Cannot Know

In What We Cannot Know, mathematician Marcus du Sautoy examines the boundaries of human knowledge across science and mathematics. The book confronts major questions about reality, consciousness, and the universe - distinguishing between what is currently unknown versus what might be fundamentally unknowable. Du Sautoy structures his investigation around seven fundamental "edges" of knowledge, using physical objects as starting points for deeper exploration. His analysis spans multiple fields including chaos theory, quantum physics, evolutionary biology, and neuroscience. The book connects mathematical principles with broader scientific mysteries. Du Sautoy draws parallels between established mathematical impossibilities, like Gödel's incompleteness theorem, and open questions in physics and consciousness research. This work stands as both a map of human knowledge and an examination of its inherent limitations. Through the lens of mathematics, du Sautoy presents a framework for understanding what separates solvable puzzles from eternal mysteries.

Readers appreciate du Sautoy's clear explanations of complex scientific concepts and his ability to make abstract mathematical ideas accessible. Many note his engaging writing style and use of personal anecdotes to illustrate difficult topics. Positive reviews highlight: - Balance between technical depth and readability - Integration of history with modern scientific developments - Thought-provoking questions about knowledge limits Common criticisms: - Some chapters meander or feel repetitive - Mathematical concepts could be more rigorous - Philosophical discussions sometimes lack depth One reader noted: "He has a gift for explaining complex ideas through everyday examples" while another complained: "Gets lost in tangents that don't advance the core arguments." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.2/5 (90+ ratings) The book connects most strongly with readers who have some science background but aren't experts in mathematics or physics.

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🔸 Du Sautoy holds the prestigious Charles Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University - a position previously held by Richard Dawkins. 🔸 The book explores seven specific boundaries of knowledge, mirroring the seven edges of a dice, which the author uses as a metaphorical framework throughout the text. 🔸 The concept of "mathematical infinity" features prominently in the book, connecting to Georg Cantor's groundbreaking work that proved some infinities are bigger than others. 🔸 During his research for the book, du Sautoy underwent an MRI scan while solving mathematical problems to explore the relationship between consciousness and brain activity. 🔸 The author is also a trumpeter and frequently draws parallels between mathematics and music in his work, including this book's discussions of pattern and randomness.