In "Infinite Powers," Steven Strogatz invites us on a mesmerizing journey through the history and heart of calculus, revealing its astonishing influence on the world as we know it. From the ancient shores of Greece to the farthest reaches of the universe, Strogatz illuminates calculus not as the insurmountable beast many remember from school, but as a beautiful, essential tool that simplifies the complex. With engaging prose and unparalleled clarity, he unravels the majestic simplicity of calculus, showing how it leverages the concept of infinity to solve real-world problems, transforming them into manageable pieces before reassembling them into solutions that seem nothing short of miraculous. Through the pages of "Infinite Powers," readers discover the untold stories of the mathematicians who dared to harness the power of the infinitesimal, shaping the path of human progress. From determining the area of a circle with sand and a stick, to decoding the mysteries of DNA, to the latest discoveries of gravitational waves, Strogatz paints a vivid picture of how calculus has been pivotal in tackling some of humanity's greatest challenges. This book is not just a tribute to the power of calculus; it's an invitation to view the world with renewed wonder, understanding, and appreciation for the language of the universe that calculus unfolds.