

#4223
Mentioned in 7 episodes
Einstein's Dreams
Book • 2004
In 'Einstein's Dreams', Alan Lightman imagines the dreams Albert Einstein might have had in the months leading up to his submission of the special theory of relativity in 1905.
The book consists of 30 chapters, each representing a dream that explores a different mechanism of time and its effects on human experience.
These dreams range from time standing still, to time rushing quickly at the edges but standing suspended at the center, to time being cyclical and repetitive.
The novel also includes interludes that return to Einstein's waking life, offering insights into his personal struggles and his relationship with his friend Michele Besso.
The book is a blend of science, philosophy, and fiction, exploring themes of time, free will, and the human condition.
The book consists of 30 chapters, each representing a dream that explores a different mechanism of time and its effects on human experience.
These dreams range from time standing still, to time rushing quickly at the edges but standing suspended at the center, to time being cyclical and repetitive.
The novel also includes interludes that return to Einstein's waking life, offering insights into his personal struggles and his relationship with his friend Michele Besso.
The book is a blend of science, philosophy, and fiction, exploring themes of time, free will, and the human condition.
Mentioned by

















Mentioned in 7 episodes
Mentioned by 

in the closing remarks, referencing the book's exploration of time.


Lex Fridman

32 snips
#76 – John Hopfield: Physics View of the Mind and Neurobiology
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a poetic book about Albert Einstein's dreams and theories of time.

Ben Bowlin

22 snips
The Ridiculously Ambitious History of the World's Fair, Part One: A Crazy Plan, and Crazy Success
Mentioned by Ben Bolin as a book exploring high concepts related to dreams and physics.

Listener Mail: The Shepherd's Point, Dream Communication, and the Inevitable Rise of Superpowers
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when recommending books that listeners might want to share with each other.

Ben Bolin

Listener Mail: Dreaming Aloud, Beyond Time
Mentioned by 

as a book that had a lasting impression on him.


Tom Bilyeu

Q&A on Modern Mythology and Holding Yourself to Results (Replay)
Mentioned by 

as a book written by ![undefined]()

, exploring different scenarios Albert Einstein might have considered while developing the theory of relativity.


Sean M. Carroll

Alan Lightman

38 | Alan Lightman on Transcendence, Science, and a Naturalist’s Sense of Meaning
Recommended by ![undefined]()

, who had read the book when taking his AP English exam.

David Byshevkin

David Bashevkin & Malka Simkovich: Can Judaism Survive the AI Revolution? (Fifth Year Anniversary)
Mentioned by 

as an incredible book.


Dan Shipper

Being Human in the Age of Intelligent Machines - Ep. 54 with Dr. Alan Lightman
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of ![undefined]()

's best-selling books.

Jacke Wilson

Alan Lightman

693 Understanding the Wonders of Nature (with Alan Lightman) | My Last Book with Alan Lightman
Mentioned by 

in relation to a short story about a world where everyone lives forever.


Michael Easter

Get UNCOMFORTABLE And RECLAIM Your Wild, Happy, and Healthy Self | Michael Easter
Mentioned by 

as a book he recommends to listeners.


Russ Roberts

Alan Lightman on Stardust, Meaning, Religion, and Science
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as an upcoming guest on the podcast, discussing his new book about material things.

Jacke Wilson

692 An Investigation in Chinatown (with Radha Vatsal) | The Five Books (with Tali Rosenblatt-Cohen)