This is a story of the creation of the universe through imperfections in the early universe. The story is told in five parts through three main themes. the themes are the history of our understanding of the universe, the imperfections in time and space and matter, and the history of our understanding of the evolution of life.

Through the first two themes, he seems to be building a case for there not being a unified theory for the universe. Our expectations of a unified theory are solely human, the same drive that lead us to belief in a single god, our desire to have a single understanding for events. However, when he starts the third theme, this goal is lost. The section on life seemed out of place and it felt as if it should have been in a different book.

Overall, the book was interesting. But the history sections seem to appear in all science books these days. If you're interested in science writing, you've probably read it dozens of times before. For this reason, I cannot recommend it, there just isn't enough meat to warrant the time and there are lots of other good science books to be read. ( )

Award winning physicist, Marcelo Gleiser, discusses the quest of the Theory of Everything and evidence that points to a scenario in which everything emerges from fundamental imperfections in matter and time. Inbalance spurs creation; without asymmetries and imperfections, the universe would be filled with nothing but smooth radiation. Humancentricism is called for.

The partly personal point of view of a physicist who has given up the hope that an all-encompassing final theory will be formulated, going farther in that direction than such people as Freeman Dyson, Leonard Susskind, and Stephen Hawking. I didn't like his persistent contention that the many physicists who have *not* given up are unconsciously influenced by the monotheistic religiosity claimed to be inherent in Western culture. (There's no need to be insulting!) "To exist in a purposeless Universe is even more meaningful than to exist as the result of some kind of mysterious cosmic plan. ... [U]nless we accept out fragility and cosmic loneliness, we will never act to protect what we have." (p 218)

This book kept me at the edge of my seat. Like an exciting ballgame, "A Tear at the Edge of Creation" kept me in suspense. Who's gonna win? The Unifiers? Or the Breakers? Like an expert commentator, Marcelo Gleiser explained both sides well. However, he has chosen one team to cheer for.

Once, he was a unifier himself. But after a long intellectua-scientific journey, Marcelo Gleiser now argues that the Grand Unified Theory (GUT), or the Final Truth is a construction of the human mind, a monotheistic myth that has inspired brilliant minds like Thales, Kepler, Einstein and so many others, with little support in physical reality.

First he would tell of the wonderful elegant patterns in nature, but then suddenly point out an anti-pattern in the next instant. He would explain the Symmetry of our universe in masterful language and then destroy it with Asymmetries on the next page.

The "Unifiers" are reductionists. They search for a law of nature that is simple and true. The author argues that the notion of a Theory of Everything (TOE) is a cultural one. It is the scientific counterpart of the monotheistic religions. He says, "Why insist on relating Oneness with beauty? Isn't it time to celebrate a different kind of beauty, one inspired by the imperfections of Nature?"

So he proposes on focusing on the imperfections of nature, rather than the search for ultimate harmonies or perfection. He points out the rare circumstances in the universe that led to our existence. That makes us special. It creates a new purpose for humankind. He shouts, "Humans! Wake up and save life with all that you have! Life is rare. Treasure it, worship it, make it last, spread it across the Universe."

Read more here...http://bit.ly/TearEdge ( )