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NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 14, 2026San Diego County

Physicist Carlo Rovelli argues against absolute reality in new book On the Equality of All Things

Photo: KPBS Public Media

Physicist Carlo Rovelli publishes a new book arguing that physics does not provide an absolute or ultimate view of reality, instead viewing all properties as relational. The book draws on classical philosophies from India and Asia alongside modern physics to challenge traditional scientific triumphalism.

PhysicsQuantum MechanicsRelativityPhilosophyScienceBooks
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Why It Matters

The book presents a philosophical challenge to how the limits and capabilities of modern physics are understood by scientists and the public.

Key Facts

  • Carlo Rovelli has written a new book titled On the Equality of All Things.
  • The book explicitly rejects any path to an ultimate reality or a God's-eye view of the universe through physics.
  • Rovelli argues for the relational interpretation of quantum mechanics, meaning the properties of any object are always relational to everything else.
  • The book draws heavily on classical philosophies from India and Asia, including thinkers like Nagarjuna and Zhuangzi.
  • Rovelli contends that knowing the physical laws of the world does not amount to knowing the entirety of the world.

Who's Mentioned

PersonPlato“Greek philosopher mentioned for comparison.”PersonHenri Bergson“Philosopher who emphasized lived time.”PersonAlbert Einstein“Physicist whose theory of relativity is cited in the article.”PersonAristotle“Greek philosopher mentioned for comparison.”PersonNagarjuna“Classical philosopher from India referenced in the book.”PersonIsaac Newton“Physicist whose laws of motion are discussed in relation to classical physics.”PersonCarlo Rovelli“Physicist and author of the book discussed in the article.”PersonSchrodinger“Physicist associated with the quantum mechanics parable of the cat.”PersonAdam Frank“Author of the review article, professor of physics and astronomy at the Universi”PersonZhuangzi“Ancient Chinese philosopher referenced in the book.”OrganizationUniversity of Rochester“Affiliation of the article's author, Adam Frank.”