We may no longer think that the world was hatched from an egg, as the ancient Chinese did, or that our fate is ruled by a capricious Zeus and a resentful Hera. We now use genes to explain desire, and physics to explain the mechanics of the universe and earthly disasters. But are we any the wiser? Has science provided protection from the fires of jealousy and love? Is there no room now for the comforts of mythology? Oren Harman creates grand modern myths and fables out of the materials of the latest science.The earth and moon present a cosmological view of motherhood, the lonelieness of consciousness emerging from the memory of an octopus, the birth of language beginning humanity's struggle with truth. Science may not heal our deepest confusions and impulses, but its magical discoveries can help us in our never-ending search for knowledge.