If You're Curious About These Questions...
You should listen to this audiobook
- Did you know that a mathematical concept involving 'imaginary' numbers is the secret reason your smartphone and modern electronics even work?
- Have you ever wondered how a single equation could bridge the gap between a falling apple and the complex movements of the entire universe?
- Are you curious about which formula governs both the stability of our world and the unpredictable fluctuations of the global stock market?
Listen to In Pursuit of the Unknown — Free Audiobook
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Key Takeaways from In Pursuit of the Unknown
- Discover how abstract mathematical equations have fundamentally shaped human history by revealing unexpected, concrete relationships in the real world.
- Learn how the simple Pythagorean theorem laid the groundwork for modern mapmaking, GPS satellite navigation, and measuring the curvature of the universe.
- Understand how Euler's formula birthed the mathematical field of topology, which molecular biologists now use to analyze the complex geometric structure and replication of DNA.
- Find out why the normal distribution curve is a vital tool for revealing predictable patterns in complex human behavior and verifying the reliability of medical trials.
- Explore how the Navier-Stokes equation predicts fluid and air flow, enabling the aerodynamic design of modern vehicles and critical blood flow calculations for medical surgeries.
Learning Tools
Reinforce what you learned from In Pursuit of the Unknown
Mind Map
In Pursuit of the Unknown
Geometry & Shape
Pythagorean Theorem
Euler's Formula
Probability & Data
Normal Distribution
Fluids & Dynamics
Navier-Stokes Equation
Gravity & Cosmos
Newton's Law of Gravitation
Einstein's Theory of Relativity
Quantum & Subatomic
Schrödinger's Equation
Complexity & Finance
Chaos Theory
Black-Scholes Equation
Quiz — Test Your Understanding
Question 1 of 9
According to the text, how do generalizations of the Pythagorean theorem help scientists understand the universe?
In Pursuit of the Unknown — Full Chapter Overview
Chapter 1: Recommendation
Chapter 2: The Pythagorean theorem transformed our grasp of geography and Earth’s position within the wider cosmos.
Chapter 3: Euler’s formula reshaped mathematics — and helps us comprehend the structure of DNA.
Chapter 4: The normal distribution is among the most essential tools for analyzing social, medical, and scientific data today.
Chapter 5: The Navier-Stokes equation offers solutions to countless scientific and technological problems.
Chapter 6: Newton’s law of gravitation allows predictions of the solar system and spacecraft mission orbits.
Chapter 7: Einstein’s theory of relativity reshaped our view of space and time — and our everyday life.
Chapter 8: Schrödinger’s equation reshaped our concept of matter and widely pervades today’s modern electronics.
Chapter 9: Chaos theory permeates many fields of science, and grasping chaos can aid our everyday life.
Chapter 10: The Black-Scholes equation fueled massive growth across the financial sector — and magnified the dangers of global financial crises.
In Pursuit of the Unknown Summary & Overview
In this book, Ian Stewart focuses on 17 famous equations in mathematics and physics history, highlighting their impact on society. Stewart gives a brief history of the wonders of scientific discovery, and peppers it with vivid examples and anecdotes.
Who Should Listen to In Pursuit of the Unknown?
- Anyone interested in how mathematical ideas affect science and society
- Anyone who’s always been scared of complicated-looking formulas
- Anyone fascinated by the beauty and hidden power of formulas
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