So far, the author discussed the concept of proving the consistency of mathematical axioms, how such proofs are done, the difference between mathematics and meta-mathematics, and using a purely abstract language and logic rules to come up with proofs.
It's a pretty easy and interesting read so far. I like the way the ideas flow as the text progresses. Nothing complicated. That is, until the author started to invoke logic rules like modus ponens - a term that brings back memories of good old college days when I was studying discrete mathematics. Hahaha.
But it's a wonderful time trip. I love the academic review. But I suspect it's going to be a slower reading from now on. But I don't mind. I'm always happy to re-learn stuff like these.
Still, I should say that I was a bit side-tracked by another book I bought at BookSale that same day. It's another science fiction book from my favorite author, Stephen Baxter. It's entitled Manifold: Time. I've seen the title for quite some time already but was apprehensive of buying it. I have this impression that it didn't get a good review -- at least not as much as his best books from the Xeelee Sequence: Ring, Vacuum Diagrams, and Time Ships. I guess I was afraid to be disappointed.
But after reading the review of the late Sir Arthur C. Clarke (indicated at the back of the book), I got curious and intrigued. He said, "A staggering novel! If you ever thought you understood time, you'll be quickly disillusioned when you read Manifold: Time."
I respect Clarke a lot, so I'm holding him up to it. After reading (and greatly appreciating) Baxter's Xeelee Sequence, Time Ships, and Destiny's Children books, I wondered what else the great Baxter can do with time that will surprise me. So I bought the book and read it.
I'll probably write my comments as I go along. I'm already at page 200 today. So far, the novel is engaging. But I'm still waiting for that eureka moment I look forward to in all books I read.
I should say at this point that Baxter is great at bringing space, and especially time to life. He can really make your imagination stretch with them - leaving you at awe of how vast and immense they are, and effectively, how insignificant we are compared to them -- but that is what makes his books at the top of my reading recommendations, because they present one of the greatest challenges to mankind there is: transcending the seeming infiniteness of space and time.
How will we humans as a species overcome the harshness and seemingly limitless distances of space? And ultimately, how will we ensure the survival of humankind for all time? These are just some of the thought-provoking concepts Baxter always brings to the fore, and one of the reasons I love his works.
As for Gödel, I'll shuffle it in and out of my reading as I feel like it. So far, I'm almost halfway through it at page 48. It's a pretty small hardbound book with the promise of a lot of new insight and knowledge. So I'm not letting it go until I finish and understand all of it.
On the side, it would seem Manifold: Time also made me pause reading another book: Friday by Robert Heinlein. I also got that one at bargain, but it's not engaging me so far. It's good writing with wonderful characterization, mind you, but I always keep on imagining the promiscuous heroine in a 70's context. Must be the cover art and language.
Anyway, will keep everyone updated how my latest readings, Gödel and Baxter, fares in the coming weeks. 'Til then!
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