The Physics of Life

"Bejan isn’t the first person to study behavior as physics, or to use physics to describe wider systems. But his new book, The Physics of Life: The Evolution of Everything, may be the broadest consideration yet. Harking back to the original definition of the discipline—'knowledge of nature' in Greek—he ultimately concludes that 'life and evolution are physics.'"—National Geographic

"Bejan’s book and the theory that it expounds, I believe, would soon establish a new paradigm for biology, sociology, and human and cultural studies. Just as the laws of physics created a unifying vision of the universe and lead to a continuous development of technology, so will this breakthrough concept for these fields. With its depth and breadth, this book seized my attention, took hold of my imagination and resolved many design questions my field faces. Finally, 'design' can be grounded in theory, not simply observation and intuitive groping for answers; a theory that has explanatory and predictive power. In this sense, absorbing the book’s message becomes a liberating experience; it removes doubt and uncertainty from routine practical efforts. And with this certainty, comes a hopeful message amidst voices of gloom: the future is constructive, open-ended and full of promise. This book transcends The Origin of Species and complements Principia Mathematica."—Fanis Grammenos, author of Remaking the City Street Grid—A New Model for Urban and Suburban Development

"Anyone interested in wealth, happiness, freedom, sports, politics, cities, market, physics, biology—in life itself will find this book magnificently illuminating. You can turn to any page and find riveting insights into important fields of knowledge that will leave you better off."—Victor Niederhoffer, chairman of Manchester Trading and author of Education of a Speculator

"A revolutionary new way to understand the world around us—from the natural sphere to the human body to political and cultural institutions—based on author Bejan’s unique insights into the science of physics. Written with a deft touch for both experts and (myself among them) lay people, this book is a must-read; you won’t look at, well, birth, death and everything in between the same. If you enjoyed Jared Diamond’s writings on biology and Stephen Hawking’s on cosmology, you love The Physics of Life."—Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author

"Riveting and poetic . . . Renowned energy scientist Bejan . . . elegantly argues that evolution transcends the boundaries of the biological and governs the flow of all phenomena . . . Unique and entirely fascinating, this book will linger in your consciousness and prompt you to look at the world with fresh eyes."—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

"In this quirky, occasionally ingenious work, Bejan explores evolution as a phenomenon not of biology but of physics."—Publishers Weekly