Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea First Edition

Really good.I have read all the comments, because I wanted to potentially assign this book as reading for my undergraduate mathematics courses. The low ratings have some very good points, but let's face it... this is a pop-history of zero, not a graduate thesis, or a mathematical proof.Here are my interpretations after reading the book and reviewing the comments:1. I see some math-sticklers really hate this book. If you want a math book that is full of equations or a text book, this is NOT for you2. If you want a light-hearted and fun introduction to how math developed with cultures and customs, this book is fantastic--at least through chapter six. (It takes a turn afterwards and moves toward the number 3 point below.)3. Remember the title of this book--that should indicate that the author is taking a concept (a simple mathematical one) and stretching the interpretation so that this concept becomes something more meaningful and awesome.To accomplish number 3, the author takes liberties in analyzing and interpreting past events to create the "dangerous idea" through chapter 6. These are then synthesized into the final cosmological nature of this philosophically "dangerous idea" in the remaining chapters.The final product was educational, fun, and thought-provoking.

Zero misbehaves. Refusing to change like other promiscuous numbers. It even opposes infinity. Here goes my favorite quote. “Multiplying by zero collapses the infinite number line. But dividing by zero destroys the entire framework of mathematics”. Powerful zero. Ancient Greeks couldn't handle it. And Charles did a great job showing the implications of zero on philosophy + state-of-the-art, particularly on number theory and physics (say thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and astrophysics). Thrilling zero. Because the whole text is well illustrated with ingenuous analogies; I was reading it at sunny Cape Town and couldn't put zero down for nothing (0 = 0, QED). For example, I have been chewing countable/uncountable infinities for years (Cantor’s alephs). Until Charles asked: If you throw a dart at the number line, what are you going to hit? Irrationals! Damn, they are all over the place. And there are much more such examples in this book (say absolute zero in thermodynamics and black holes in astrophysics). Impressive zero… seems that even the whole universe started from it.

The first half of the book discusses the origins of zero and how it developed in the East via the acceptance of "The Void" and was later picked up by learned Westerners.The second half of the book, having learned the origins of zero, discusses zero's significance to physics. In fact, you realize quickly that it was through zero that we came to develop physics, via Newton's calculus.Overall I enjoyed the book. I thought the author did a good job breaking down very complicated ideas within physics.While it was fun to travel with the author as he traced the spawning of zero throughout history, I do think there are moments of silly, possibly ignorant propositions. That is, I think the author made some statements that many others would disagree with. Nevertheless, I appreciate the time that went into this book and would recommend.

Interesting book and concept. Had lots of higher level math and physics that might go over some heads. Didn’t really go into much detail about why the concept of zero is dangerous or the consequences of its inception and use. Seemed more like apologetics for its use than an explanation for why it is so dangerous. Overall, learned a few things I didn’t know before. Now would like to actually find more info/books on the concept of zero.

The book starts with the history of zero and ends with some of the complex physics that came to be because of the number 0. Part philosophical but all math, I couldn't wait to get to the next page because of all the drama that is 0. For those not so mathematically inclined, the first half of the book will be nice history with philosophers and scientists that we all learned about in school from the perspective of zero. It explains well how math was created and how the classes we took in school came to be. The second half demonstrates how zero has been used to explain the laws of physics.

In general, the concept of infinity is difficult to grasp. It's unintuitive and requires the right kind of imagination to pursue. The author does a great job of illustrating the many creative and revolutionary thought experiments and proofs that clarified the nature of such an unintuitive subject.This is not to mention the very engaging and illuminating history of zero. The author is also very good and expressing the cultures that led to the vehement rejection and ultimately reluctant acceptance of zero.Definitely worth a read.

No mater how much we talk about it, no matter how much we take it for granted, no matter that for most of humanities ages it was not even a concept; zero is difficult, unusual and metaphysical. I do no think that anyone can truly understand zero. This book makes the best attempt possible at trying to give everyone at good glimpse of the comcept/reality(??) of zero. Jim Grotkowski

Great origin story to present day. From Geometry to Calculus, it's interesting to see how 0 was considered a hot topic among those in mathematics and religion.For those uncertain how technical this book is, my background is in business and I found no issues following (a quick Google search can piece together new concepts). I'll likely read again at a later date (too interesting for only one read through).One thing is for certain, between the analogies used and straightforward nature I felt like the detail was perfect for someone interested in math.An idea that stuck with me are his descriptions of imaginary numbers. I was able to paint a clear picture in my head of how the geometries/trigonometries are conceptualized. I'm still a distance away from grasping calculus, but this book sparked my interest in studying math.

Only those who are truly confident of their subject dare write about it as plainly and simply as Seife. At first I had doubts - was this too elementary? But this was a failing on my part, not his. Once I got into the mathematics and physics I was grateful for such succinctness.Whether you come to this book from general interest, as an historian of ideas (as I did) or a scientist broadening his range you should get much out of it.And believe me, it is an exciting read!Everyone should have a go at every chapter, even if they don't read each to its end.It is now nearly ten years since its publication, so much progress has been made, but Seife provides a good grounding. I will be able to follow - and appreciate - what is being added to our knowledge.I am truly glad I have read this book.

Firstly, I want to note that this book goes into detail about a few things you may already know about should you be a maths student, or more specifically studied calculus. This is something that happened to me, however it also goes into great detail about how calculus came about, and the “battle” (if you will) between Newton and Leibniz. This is something I wasn’t knowledgable on, and found very fascinating.This book may not be for you should you attain a BSc in Mathematics, however if after attaining so you’re still unaware of the origin of mathematics (and essentially the rise of physics), as well as zero and infinity, then this book may still be for you.This book goes into very interesting parts of history, and if you’re not too well versed in mathematics or physics then this book WILL still be for you, should you have an interest in the previously mentioned.Ultimately, this book is great, and I would recommend it to *almost* everyone with an interest in mathematics, physics, and esteemed people from those areas.

Most interesting and thoughtful, well researched book. Did seem to repeat itself a bit and lost me a bit towards the end, but that's not the book's fault, it's just too many years since I last studied higher maths.Would only appeal to those with a maths/physics interest.I enjoyed it.

Haven't read it all yet, but so far it's pretty good. I got John D Barrow's "Book of Nothing" many years ago, which I wasn't too pleased with - this seems much better. When I've read the whole thing, I might add a further comment. Ordered from The Book Depository (as usual) and the packaging and delivery were all satisfactory. They usually throw in a free bookmark too. Highly recommended.

Very interesting. A book about a number - should be boring but boring it is not. If you are foolish enough to think maths is 'pure' and 'logical' or the language of science you will be shown maths is anything but logical and is prone to the same debates and arguments as the meaning of any word or theory.