Alan Lightman

3 posts

Alan Lightman is a physicist and writer whose many books include the bestselling novel "Einstein's Dreams." He is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and founder of the nonprofit Harpswell, which works to advance a new generation of women leaders in Southeast Asia.

5 minute read

Features

A cosmic history of Harpswell

Time and place seem like obvious things, the anchors of our lives. But when examined closely, they are almost beyond comprehension. For example, we have trouble grasping that at one time in the past, we didn't exist.

byAlan Lightman

January 31, 2026

4 minute read

Columns

Fiction: Coastal Light

When John finally got to the end of the dirt road, his father was standing next to a patch of purple fireweed drinking a beer. John waited in the car until the dust had settled, then got out and walked over to his father, the two of them facing each other.

byAlan Lightman

October 9, 2025

3 minute read

Columns

Moments of summer on an island in Harpswell

For many years, my wife and I have spent our summers on a small island in Harpswell. Our two daughters grew up spending their summers on the island, and now our four grandchildren make regular visits there as well. Harpswell is in our blood.

byAlan Lightman

May 12, 2025