Why?

What Makes Us Curious

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Personality, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences
Cover of the book Why? by Mario Livio, Simon & Schuster
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mario Livio ISBN: 9781476792125
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publication: July 11, 2017
Imprint: Simon & Schuster Language: English
Author: Mario Livio
ISBN: 9781476792125
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication: July 11, 2017
Imprint: Simon & Schuster
Language: English

Astrophysicist and author Mario Livio investigates perhaps the most human of all our characteristics—curiosity—in this “lively, expert, and definitely not dumbed-down account” (Kirkus Reviews) as he explores our innate desire to know why.

Experiments demonstrate that people are more distracted when they overhear a phone conversation—where they can know only one side of the dialogue—than when they overhear two people talking and know both sides. Why does half a conversation make us more curious than a whole conversation?

“Have you ever wondered why we wonder why? Mario Livio has, and he takes you on a fascinating quest to understand the origin and mechanisms of our curiosity. I thoroughly recommend it.” (Adam Riess, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics, 2011). Curiosity is not only at the heart of mystery and suspense novels, it is also essential to other creative endeavors, from painting to sculpture to music. It is the principal driver of basic scientific research. Even so, there is still no definitive scientific consensus about why we humans are so curious, or about the mechanisms in our brain that are responsible for curiosity.

In the ever-fascinating Why? Livio interviewed scientists in several fields to explore the nature of curiosity. He examined the lives of two of history’s most curious geniuses, Leonardo da Vinci and Richard Feynman. He also talked to people with boundless curiosity: a superstar rock guitarist who is also an astrophysicist; an astronaut with degrees in computer science, biology, literature, and medicine. What drives these people to be curious about so many subjects?

An astrophysicist who has written about mathematics, biology, and now psychology and neuroscience, Livio has firsthand knowledge of his subject which he explores in a lucid, entertaining way that will captivate anyone who is curious about curiosity.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Astrophysicist and author Mario Livio investigates perhaps the most human of all our characteristics—curiosity—in this “lively, expert, and definitely not dumbed-down account” (Kirkus Reviews) as he explores our innate desire to know why.

Experiments demonstrate that people are more distracted when they overhear a phone conversation—where they can know only one side of the dialogue—than when they overhear two people talking and know both sides. Why does half a conversation make us more curious than a whole conversation?

“Have you ever wondered why we wonder why? Mario Livio has, and he takes you on a fascinating quest to understand the origin and mechanisms of our curiosity. I thoroughly recommend it.” (Adam Riess, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics, 2011). Curiosity is not only at the heart of mystery and suspense novels, it is also essential to other creative endeavors, from painting to sculpture to music. It is the principal driver of basic scientific research. Even so, there is still no definitive scientific consensus about why we humans are so curious, or about the mechanisms in our brain that are responsible for curiosity.

In the ever-fascinating Why? Livio interviewed scientists in several fields to explore the nature of curiosity. He examined the lives of two of history’s most curious geniuses, Leonardo da Vinci and Richard Feynman. He also talked to people with boundless curiosity: a superstar rock guitarist who is also an astrophysicist; an astronaut with degrees in computer science, biology, literature, and medicine. What drives these people to be curious about so many subjects?

An astrophysicist who has written about mathematics, biology, and now psychology and neuroscience, Livio has firsthand knowledge of his subject which he explores in a lucid, entertaining way that will captivate anyone who is curious about curiosity.

More books from Simon & Schuster

Cover of the book Trophy House by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Valley Forge by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Once Upon A Revolution by Mario Livio
Cover of the book ZooBorns Motherly Love by Mario Livio
Cover of the book West of Then by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Sylvia's Bookshop by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Spurt by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Hidden Girl by Mario Livio
Cover of the book The Motley Fool's What to Do with Your Money Now by Mario Livio
Cover of the book The King of Fear: Part Two by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Full Time: The Secret Life Of Tony Cascarino by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Max & Ruby and Twin Trouble by Mario Livio
Cover of the book The Secret of Ashona by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Yesterday, I Cried by Mario Livio
Cover of the book Kathryn Dance eBook Boxed Set by Mario Livio
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy