Carlo Rovelli returns with six lessons on physics and philosophy
Carlo Rovelli has a new book on the shelves. It is called On the Equality of All Things.
Rovelli is a physicist who directs a quantum gravity research group in Marseille, working on gravity at the scale of atoms and smaller. He is the author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, described as a global bestseller The Guardian.
The new book carries the subtitle Lessons on Physics and Philosophy. Trade listings give its release date as 15 Sept. 2026.
It is short. It holds six chapters, each described as a "lesson". The English text is a translation, meaning a rendering from Rovelli's original language, by poet Simon Carnell The Guardian.
The lessons centre on relational quantum mechanics, the idea that physical systems have properties only relative to other physical systems. Nothing stands alone. Linked to that is Rovelli's view that there is no space or time as separate, fixed backdrops New Scientist.
What makes this stand out for general readers is the range. Under "B" alone, the index lists Francis Bacon, bats, behaviourism, Henri Bergson and the big bang.
On the publishing side, the book has separate editions for separate markets. Penguin Books in Britain lists it under ISBN 9780241733707, the 13-digit catalogue number shops use to order that edition, and describes it as a treatise that feels liberating and brings readers closer to the world around them Penguin Books. Simon & Schuster in the United States lists it under ISBN 9781668092422.
Coverage has followed quickly. Kirkus Reviews posted its review online on 20 July 2026. NPR published an article titled 'On the Equality of All Things' looks at the nature of reality on 14 September 2026 NPR. A Guardian review followed on 30 September 2026.
