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Infinite Powers
384 pages, 2019
science & nature
1064 books
history
999 booksCalculus is fundamental to modern life. It has enabled us to decode DNA, pinpoint Neptune, and make contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. Though many of us were scared away from this essential, engrossing subject in high school and college, Steven Strogatz’s brilliantly creative, down‑to‑earth history shows that calculus is not about complexity; it’s about simplicity.
He uses infinity to tackle real‑world problems, breaking them down into easier ones and then reassembling the answers into solutions that feel miraculous. In Infinite Powers, Strogatz recounts how calculus tantalized and thrilled its inventors, starting with its first glimmers in ancient Greece and bringing us right up to the discovery of gravitational waves (a phenomenon predicted by calculus). He reveals how this form of math rose to the challenges of each age.
Infinite Powers by Steven Strogatz is a deep dive into the world of calculus. It's not just about numbers and equations, but about understanding the world around us. Strogatz shows us how calculus is a powerful tool that can help us make sense of everything from the orbits of planets to the patterns of the stock market.
Strogatz takes us on a journey through the history of calculus, from its origins in ancient Greece to its development in the hands of great thinkers like Newton and Leibniz. He shows us how these mathematical pioneers used calculus to solve problems that had stumped scientists for centuries.
You might not realize it, but calculus is all around us. Strogatz shows us how it's used in everything from engineering and physics to economics and biology. He makes it clear that calculus isn't just for mathematicians - it's a tool that we all can use to better understand the world.
In Infinite Powers, Strogatz doesn't just explain how calculus works - he shows us why it's beautiful. He paints a picture of a world where everything is connected, where patterns emerge from chaos, and where the mysteries of the universe can be unlocked with the power of mathematics.
Strogatz doesn't just look at the past and present of calculus - he also looks to the future. He explores how calculus could be used to solve some of the biggest challenges facing humanity, from climate change to the spread of diseases. Infinite Powers is a book that will make you see the world in a whole new light.
Quotes 3
Infinite Powers is a masterclass in storytelling, making the complex world of calculus both understandable and enjoyable. It's a must-read for anyone interested in mathematics.
Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founderInfinite Powers is a true celebration of the human mind's capacity to comprehend the universe through mathematics. It's a thrilling journey through the world of calculus.
Jordan Ellenberg - Mathematician, AuthorInfinite Powers is a beautifully written exploration of the mathematical principles that shape our understanding of the world. It's a book that will change the way you see mathematics.
Maria Popova - Cultural Critic
