“Mind blown” is such a common phrase nowadays that there’s an emoji. And why not? As humans, we are constantly learning new things and making new discoveries. New advances in science, medicine, technology, and every other field are fed to us through articles on the Internet, where we can perform additional research and discuss these ideas with other like-minded individuals.
But the Internet isn’t the only place to learn new things. At Eva’s Used Bookstore, your best bet for used books in Israel, you can pick up several books that will make you say “mind blown.” Read on to discover four books that will change the way you think about physics, outer space, and even dust.
Ever since the James Webb telescope began its operations in 2022, the news has been flooded with discoveries and unique images of outer space. Even before James Webb, scientists were using the Hubble telescope and satellites to learn more about the universe in which we live. But there’s still so much we don’t know.
In The Hole in the Universe by K.C. Cole, Cole discusses the amazing discoveries scientists have made while peering into the vast expanse of space. K.C. Cole is an American science writer, author, and professor emerita at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She touches on concepts from black holes, string theory, the big bang, and much more, and she does so in small chapters that are easily digestible for everyone to enjoy. You don’t need a science or physics degree to grasp this book's material.
Since the book’s release, scientists have discussed that there is no literal hole in the universe. Most images showing a possible “hole” in the universe are called cosmic voids, and these voids contain some forms of matter but may be too far away for current technology to see.
Despite this, the concept of a hole can be applied figuratively, meaning something to peer through to grasp more knowledge. Though this book came out in 2001, it still contains information that can help you understand more about the universe.
Ever since the first computers gained traction in our society, the idea of ‘complexity’ emerged. Complexity is a different way of looking at how the universe works, including the human brain and ants in an ant colony. We know that today’s generations have grown up using computers and other technology and that technology makes the world more complex.
Complexity studies how collections of components interacting with each other on small scales can significantly impact global structures and behaviors without external intervention. An example of complexity is the billions of neurons interacting inside the human brain; another example is how computers interact with the Internet.
Frontiers of Complexity by Peter Coveney and Roger Highfield looks at how far computers and other technology developed from the 1940s to the 1990s and how that has increased society’s complexity. Though technology has advanced even further in the 30-something years since the book was published, it still contains important information detailing how we got to where we are today, particularly during an age when all data was not at our fingertips.
Reading this book will open your mind to an idea that has its roots in the early development of computers and modern technology. Understanding how small interactions around us can create larger impacts is important. Increasing your awareness of how the world works will give you a better understanding of the systems that influence our daily lives.
Dust. It’s everywhere, and it makes you sneeze. It’s in your house, it’s outside, and it's in outer space. So, what makes dust so interesting?
Hannah Holmes is here to tell you all about it. The Secret Life of Dust by Hannah Holmes is a fascinating look at dust, the different kinds of dust, and how it affects our very way of life. Holmes talks about the scientists who study the consequences of dust’s presence. For example, scientists theorize that dust is why the dinosaurs were killed off. Dust is even affecting our bodies as we speak.
Hannah Holmes is from Portland, ME, and is a science and natural history writer for Discovery Channel online.
Isaac Asimov is a well-known science fiction writer and professor of biochemistry. He is the brains behind more than 500 books, including I, Robot, and the Foundation series that was made into a television series. In addition to science fiction, Asimov wrote mysteries and fantasy novels. But he has written his share of non-fiction, too, which brings us to his book, The Left Hand of the Electron.
The Left Hand of the Electron was published in 1972 and contains a collection of essays about a variety of scientific topics. He uses his clean, well-oiled writing style to bring complicated topics to those who may not study science. He touches on physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Though the book is older, many of its principles remain as accurate now as they were in the 1970s. He makes these topics interesting and exciting, which may seem mundane to some.
Learning about science and different topics helps broaden the mind to new ideas and possibilities. Learning is one of the most important things a person can continue to do throughout life because things are constantly changing and evolving. Books about topics you wouldn’t usually read are a great way to learn and apply those new ideas to your life.
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