The most beautiful trick of light - And if the Universe had a direction

The author first proposes a historical overview of the Universe and of the ways it has been perceived since the Greek Antiquity until modern science. Then, he discusses the proliferation of cosmic light (particle radiation, the light of atoms, vibrating and radiating molecules, light of stars, interstellar dust, light-amplifying planets), and exceptions to this proliferation (black holes, dark matter, dark energy). He addresses life as source of light which is more efficient than a star, the presence of life in the Universe, life as a paragon of matter organisation, and the role of the iron atom. Then, after having discussed whether we are alone in the Universe, he proposes a brief history of the role of mankind in the Universe, and concludes by highlighting the most beautiful trick of light