ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Reviews

Book Review: ‘The Dialogues: Conversations about the Nature of the Universe’

Perhaps it's time we start having conversations about science once again -- and this book is a great place to start.

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
February 2, 2018
in Book Reviews, Reviews
A A
If you buy something that we link, we may earn a commission. See our product review guidelines and affiliate disclaimer.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

The Dialogues: Conversations about the Nature of the Universe
by Clifford Johnson
MIT Press, 246 pages // Buy on Amazon

I never thought I’d say this, but here it goes: I’m definitely a fan of science comics. After Heretics! first introduced me to the concept, I was ready for another adventure — this time, in the realm of physics.

The book is essentially a series of conversations about science. Physicist Clifford Johnson takes the ancient, Socratic form of a dialogue and adapts it to the modern comic book environment. This medium is a metaphor in itself: Johnson believes we need to have more conversations about science, and, quite frankly, I agree.

While not as humorous and whimsical as Heretics!, I found that The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe does a fantastic job of explaining complex concepts in a way that’s not only easy to understand but also pleasant to follow. But what really sets it apart is the sheer quality of the writing. He effortlessly blends the natural, down-to-earth curiosity within us all with a patient knowledge that comes with decades of study.

Clifford Johnson is a highly respected physicist in his own right, his work mostly focusing on superstring theory and particle physics. But unlike others in his field, Johnson isn’t afraid to take a step down and talk “in English” — in a clear, simple language that anyone can understand.

RelatedPosts

Newly discovered Japanese plant doesn’t photosynthesize, pollinates itself
What do grasshoppers eat? Turns out, it’s much more than just grass
Workplace suicides on the rise – doctors, law enforcement workers and soldiers most vulnerable
World leaders convene for COP22 in Marrakech to turn promises into action

Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, who wrote a blurb on the back of the book, rightly praised it as a very fun way of presenting physics. As Prescod-Weinstein, says, “This is simply the best introduction to electromagnetism — for any audience — that I’ve ever seen. I learned something from it, and I would consider putting this on a freshman physics syllabus.”

I had my doubts at first — the dialogues start out a bit dry, but they pick up quickly, and I soon found myself completely immersed in the book’s story. It begins with two people meeting at a costume party, discussing what a superhero scientist would be like — using his power not to fight crime, but rather to conduct better experiments. It then moves on to look at a brother and sister trying to understand why rice gets bigger when cooked and later continues on to deeper, existential topics.

But my favorite thing about this book is how it stays true to its name: it presents the nature of the universe, and it does so through dialogues. In a world that’s increasingly polarized, ignorance is often praised and despite all the technology available to us, we find it harder and harder to talk to each other. Perhaps having conversations is the best way to unite us once more. Perhaps it’s time to start having some real conversations about science, and this book is a great place to start.

 

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

Invertebrates

The Worm That Outsourced Locomotion to Its (Many) Butts

byMihai Andrei
2 days ago
History

The unusual world of Roman Collegia — or how to start a company in Ancient Rome

byMihai Andrei
2 days ago
Merton College, University of Oxford. Located in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK. Original public domain image from Wikimedia Commons
Bizarre Stories

For over 500 years, Oxford graduates pledged to hate Henry Symeonis. So, who is he?

byMihai Andrei
2 days ago
News

The Strongest Solar Storm Ever Was 500 Times More Powerful Than Anything We’ve Seen in Modern Times. It Left Its Mark in a 14,000-Year-Old Tree

byTibi Puiu
2 days ago

Recent news

The Worm That Outsourced Locomotion to Its (Many) Butts

May 16, 2025

The unusual world of Roman Collegia — or how to start a company in Ancient Rome

May 16, 2025
Merton College, University of Oxford. Located in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK. Original public domain image from Wikimedia Commons

For over 500 years, Oxford graduates pledged to hate Henry Symeonis. So, who is he?

May 16, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.