scijessreads

Science – and the universe – have a lot in common with art and philosophy. The study of the universe is all about asking questions in order to understand how the universe works (even though there are far more questions than we will likely ever have answers for). But we still seek to study and understand the world around us and the stars above us.

In art – in all the forms that it takes but in this book specifically poetry – we also seek to observe and describe the unknown. To put to words the deepest questions we have about life and what it means to be made of stardust.

The Universe in Verse by Maria Popova (with absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Ofra Amit) is a series of essays on elements of scientific discovery and history, linked to poems that expound upon the ideas that science has brought forward. The combination of the two forms of writing gives a new perspective on how discoveries are made and understood by the world. Popova’s own writing is elegant and philosophical, bringing a sense of deep wonder to topics that often remind us of how small we are as people compared to the vastness of the space that surrounds us. It also reminds us of how much nature and the universe itself are works of art that have arisen from cosmic soup.

This book, this collection of stories, history, and ideas, is a reminder to take a moment and embrace wonder, possibility, and change. It is also a reminder that art and science and our base desires to understand the universe are intricately intertwined and exist together as a way to describe the world around us. There is art in the universe, and the universe is art, and this book is a beautiful testament to that duality.

I read this book early as an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own. Publication date is October 1, 2024.