The Dancing Wu Li Masters

Rating:
Summary: How appropriate this monster was written by Finkelstein.
Review: Oh, my mistake I thought this was stitched together by Frankenstein not Finkelstein. Talk about gluten for punishment I read this twice. I swear the person that wrote this does not have a TV. I noticed that some reviewers refer to the "New Physics" is that like "New Age"?

90% of the matter must be missing from this book. Or how else can he take physics out of context and make such fantastic leaps to religions that he knows little of. He even twists the religion around to serve some unknown purpose.

Many people say they did not understand physics until this book. Surprises, you still do not. You now know what Zukav wished physics was. Take anti-mater for instants that does not mean the opposite of mater. And the relationship between particles has no correlation with the relationship of dogs and cats.

At least get it straight before mixing it up. Try some to these:

The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski ISBN: 0316109339

The Upanishads by Eknath Easwaran (Editor), Michael N. Nagler (Photographer) ISBN: 0915132397

Or just about any mainstream material on physics and religion.

Then if you still want to mix worlds into one read someone saner:

The Tao of Physics : An Exploration of the Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism by Fritjof Capra ISBN: 0877735948

Rating:
Summary: Mind Expanding to the fullest extent
Review: This book is THE book to read for those who are not familiar with complex math, but are interested in the basic principles of quantum physics. First, I must say that anyone who gives this book a bad rating has either not understood any of the material or not read the book at all (this is probably the case for the one star review [Mr. Bernie]). It covers all aspects of basic quantum theory from the first beginnings of it (Plank's constant, discovery of quanta through study of Black-body radiation; wave-particle duality, Heisenburg's uncertainty principle, Schrodinger's wave equation & wave functions, etc...) to relatively newer quantum theory (the Space-Time Continuum, Black Holes, Bell's theorum, quantum logic, etc...) as best as english (combined with articulate diagrams) can describe WITHOUT MATH. This book contains the best desciption and examples of Einstein's Special and General Theories of Relativity that I have ever UNDERSTOOD. Coupled with Zukav's amiable style this book is an extreme pleasure to read. One thing I found foresightful was that many parts of the book have footnotes that are written by physists who previewed the book and expounded upon the writing therein with by clarifying concepts for those who are familiar with physics and math already. 95% of this book is about understanding these new ideas (more specifically being led upon the road to experience and understanding rather than having things crammed into your brain just to be regurgitated into nothingness) and 5% (in the introduction and last chapter mostly) about how this "New Physics" coorelates to eastern religious views (NOT NEW AGE RELIGION) that have been in practice for thousands of years. The book comes complete with bibliography of all the literature Zukav has referenced in his own quest to understand quantum physics and the nature of reality and a extremely complete index that is very useful when you need it. Over all this book was relatively very easy to read (when it comes to science books) and I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about how reality is defined.

Rating:
Summary: the prologue alone is worth the whole book!
Review: Zukav gives us a sterling example of quantum physics in layman's terms with this book. Well written. He guides the reader through the amazing concepts of his subject with prime example, steadily stretching our imaginations to begin to grasp the principles that underlie our Universe, as currently understood. His prologue to Dancing Wu Li Masters is masterful in and of itself; artfully weaving mythos into current scientific standard, the summation of which is breathtaking: simple and true. I have handed this book to my friends and said, "Just read the intro...". They are hooked. This book is a 'standby' for me; always handy to pick up and open to any passage and have plenty to think about. It rests with Hawking, Capra, Castaneda and Chopra, all 'my' re-readable inspirations! It can be read en toto or in sections after the first reading. I am not a critic or a scientist, just an avid reader, and I had to contribute. Thanks!