ideas based on experimental evidence, not on metaphysical reasoning or the truth-claims of authority figures. Trying to balance both positive with negative views of the work, Amir Alexander wrote in The New York Times:It is difficult to say whether Dr. Tegmark’s mathematical universe will ultimately be deemed an Einsteinian triumph or a Cartesian dead end. His conclusions are simply too far removed from the frontiers of today’s mainstream science, and there is little hope that conclusive evidence will emerge anytime soon. Yet Our Mathematical Universe is nothing if not impressive. Brilliantly argued and beautifully written, it is never less than thought-provoking about the greatest mysteries of our existence. The Independent praised the last chapter of the book, on the risks of extinction humanity faces, as "wise and bracing". References 2014 non-fiction books Popular physics books Cosmology books Alfred A. Knopf books