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"One of the most powerful questions humans ask about the cosmos is: Are we alone? While the science behind this inquiry is fascinating, it doesn't exist in a vacuum. It is a reflection of our values, our fears, and most importantly, our enduring sense of hope. In The Possibility of Life, acclaimed science journalist Jaime Green traces the history of our understanding, from the days of Galileo and Copernicus to our contemporary quest for exoplanets. Along the way, she interweaves insights from science fiction writers who construct worlds that in turn inspire scientists. Incorporating expert interviews, cutting-edge astronomy research, philosophical inquiry, and pop culture touchstones ranging from A Wrinkle in Time to Star Trek to Arrival, The Possibility of Life explores our evolving conception of the cosmos to ask an even deeper question: What does it mean to be human?" --… (more)
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Green discusses the various means scientists have used to detect life on other planets, and what that other life might look like. She describes what we know and don't know about the origin of life on our own planet, and speculation about whether life is likely to be abundant, or is a freak occurrence on Earth. She also looks at books, movies, and TV shows about first contact, and what those have to say not only about the potential reality, but about our own hopes and fears.
There is a lot of delightful food for thought in this book!
Analysis and musings on aliens. Not whether they actually exist, but why we humans do or do not want them to, and why we imagine that they look particular ways. What do our thoughts on aliens say about us as a species?
I really enjoyed this gentle little book, a mix
The author is not a professional narrator, but she’s very good (and I was already familiar with her voice from a few podcast episodes).