If you even have the slightest interest in quantum mechanics, this is a great book for you. It goes over where we are now and where we could be going in the future, as well as what's still out of reach. Excellent book by an incredibly knowledgeable author.

Quantum 2.0: The Weird Physics Driving a New Revolution in Technology by Paul Davies is a deeply ambitious exploration of the scientific principles shaping the next technological revolution. I requested this ARC out of professional and personal interest, as my background in cybersecurity closely intersects with the future implications of quantum computing—particularly in encryption, data security, and computational power.

Davies methodically traces the evolution of quantum mechanics, from its early theoretical foundations to the major breakthroughs that have positioned it at the forefront of modern science. He highlights key advances across multiple disciplines, including physics, computing, biology, and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how quantum principles are no longer abstract concepts but practical drivers of innovation.

I will be transparent in saying that portions of this book are intellectually demanding and, at times, exceeded my current technical grasp. However, that is not a criticism—it is a testament to the complexity and depth of the subject matter. The scale of the global race in quantum research cannot be overstated. It represents one of the most consequential scientific competitions of our time, with profound geopolitical, economic, and security implications. The nation or organization that successfully harnesses quantum capabilities will possess a transformative advantage.

What I appreciated most is Davies’s ability to convey both the promise and the risk inherent in quantum advancement. The same technologies that offer unprecedented insight into the nature of reality also present serious ethical and security challenges. This book underscores that scientific progress is not value-neutral and must be approached with responsibility and foresight.

While this is not light reading, it is an important and thought-provoking book. I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with a book that expands understanding of both the possibilities and the consequences of Quantum 2.0.

Thank you to Paul Davies, the University of Chicago Press, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you, University of Chicago Press, for providing this book for a voluntary review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Paul Davies has authored numerous books on quantum physics, metaphysics, and cosmology, several of which I have read and learned a great deal from. In Quantum 2.0 Davies recounts the development of quantum mechanics and covers the latest cutting-edge experiments being performed to fully understand quantum mechanics (yes, we don’t yet fully understand quantum mechanics) as well as research on practical applications, such as quantum computing, quantum biology, quantum sensors, and the quantum internet. Davies discusses the metaphysics and interpretation of quantum mechanics and addresses the question “What is reality?” through explanations of the Einstein-Bohr debates, Bell’s Theorem, mind-bending delayed-choice double-slit interference experiments proposed by John Wheeler, and numerous thought experiments involving two beloved characters in popular books on quantum mechanics, Alice and Bob.

Davies closes by stating that the theory of quantum mechanics may not be complete; that is, it breaks down at some point since it cannot handle situations involving gravity and it’s still unclear to scientists where the boundary is between the classical (i.e., a cat) and quantum (i.e., an atom) regimes. Davies proposes several ways in which quantum mechanics can break down, none of which have been confirmed, along with alternative interpretations (to the standard Copenhagen interpretation). At the end of the book, the answers are left to “the next generation of physicists”, which is exactly how science keeps marching along.

I recommend Quantum 2.0 to anyone with an interest in the development of quantum mechanics, the latest and greatest research being conducted, and the provocative questions that remain unanswered to fully unify quantum mechanics with the other pillar of modern physics, gravitation.