The Beginning of Infinity, by Deutsch

Sunday April 10, 2022

I read this book years ago (2017 or earlier) and didn't write it up at the time, but some of the themes keep coming up. Characteristics of good theories, for one thing. But more so the fundamental optimism that we can keep going indefinitely. Deutsch is focused on knowledge, understanding, and explanations—but perhaps also for prosperity, as in a post-scarcity "Star Trek" future (Saadia, Webb). Deutsch's thoughts on quantum theory are fun, but the optimistic worldview may be more valuable.