In plain everyday language this book approaches quantum physics and cosmology as “instruments of wonder”, i.e. as ways to contemplate and appreciate the extraordinary mystery we are immersed in. The eternal questions humans have been asking (who are we? what is this universe? what is mind? what is matter? what is life?) are addressed in this book from a scientific perspective. By pushing our scientific knowing as far as possible we become aware of the infinite expanse of our “unknowing”. In the end we are left with a sense of wonder at the subtlety of existence and gratitude for the outstanding ride we are freely given.

• The book appeals to the general reader interested in philosophy, science, consciousness studies and mysticism

• The book introduces novel ideas on the interpretation of quantum physics in a language accessible to everybody

• The book covers the author’s personal involvement in the discovery of the first black hole

• The book explores the parallels between key ideas of modern physics and traditional Eastern mysticism

• The book has been quoted by the Italian philosopher Giulio Giorello in the editorial article of the Corriere della Sera’s Literary Supplement of April 3, 2016

• The book has been the object of two radio broadcasts in the Rai Radio 3 (the culture channel of the Italian radio) series Uomini e Profeti (Men and Prophets)

Contents:

• How we lost our connection with the world soul and how that connection is re- emerging from an unexpected direction
• Life as dance of chaos and order
• Determinism and freedom, holism and reductionism as complementary views of reality
• Evolution of our understanding of the nature of space and time
• Co-arising of consciousness and world in the Tao Te Ching
• Pilgrimages to emptiness in Chinese poetry