Holographic Universe

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely fantastic--as far as both theories and books go
Review: I first read of this meta-physical theory of the universe as hologram in an article in the Scientific American a little over a year ago. While it's not a new theory, it has recently begun to pick up credibility in the world of accepted science.

That said, I was eager to pick up this book and read about it in more detail. It's truly a fascinating theory, after all. Amazingly, the book was even better than the original article I read! Though I may not agree with all points offered by the author, he admits up front that some are not accepted by the founders of the theory as well. In fact, he admits up front that the entire theory remains controversial, and he holds nothing back as far as being a fair and objective writer.

The theory itself is brilliant, and in my experience in the field of psychological research holds true in many forms. I think the author does a nice job of presenting the theory itself, possible implications, and empirical support in a clear, concise manner. He also does a great job of chronicling the history of the theory and its evolution. Great book, amazing subject!

Rating:
Summary: LOVE THIS BOOK
Review: The book not only provides a perspective of looking at the universe as holographic, but also provides an avalanche of very interesting stories.

As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a firm believer that there are no limitations to what we can experience and the changes we can create in our bodies and in our lives, even on genetic level, I wanted to share one of the stories from this book:

"Brocq's disease involves a horribly disfiguring hereditary condition. Victims of Brocq's disease develop a thick, horny covering over their skin that resembles the scales of a reptile. The skin can become so hardened and rigid that even the slightest movement will cause it to crack and bleed.

Brocq's disease was incurable until 1951 when a sixteen-year-old boy with an advanced case of the affliction was referred as a last resort to a hypnotherapist named A.A. Mason at the Queen Victoria Hospital in London. Mason discovered that the boy was a good hypnotic subject and could easily be put into a deep state of trance.

While the boy was in trance, Mason told him that his Brocq's disease was healing and would soon be gone. Five days later the scaly layer covering the boy's left arm fell off, revealing soft, healthy flesh beneath. By the end of tend days the arm was completely normal.

Mason and the boy continued to work on different body areas until all of the scaly skin was gone. The boy remained symptom-free for at least five years, at which point Mason lost touch with him.

This is extraordinary because Brocq's disease is a genetic condition, and getting rid of it involves more than just controlling autonomic processes such as blood flow patterns and various cells of the immune system. It means tapping into the masterplan, the DNA programming itself. So, it would appear that when we access the right strata of our beliefs, our minds can override even our genetic makeup."




Rating:
Summary: A Clear Explanation of Quantum Physics & Cosmology
Review: Michael Talbot leads you by the hand with an easy-to-understand introduction and synopsis of the new physics, which is a necessary background in support of the Holographic Theory. The Holographic Theory is then the reference point used to explain consciousness, reality, cosmology, religions and the paranormal (from the everyday synchronicities and deja vu we have all experienced to the higher psychic and spiritual experiences documented throughout time by various gifted individuals and masses.) Explanations and scientific research/data are detailed -- every question I found popping into my mind was soon answered in this thorough work. As a woman "plagued" by unexplained experiences in my personal life and as a Native American confident in the concept that "we are all related", I found this wonderful book extremely helpful and validating. This well-written book, the Holographic Theory itself, and the new science of quantum physics, together take my own experiences and spirituality from pure mysticism to pure science.
Kudos to Talbot for making this an extremely readable, well thought-out, and thorough book for such a difficult and expansive topic. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rating:
Summary: A Jar of Stardust
Review: First - this book brings together some astounding ideas already put forth many years ago. It is not altogether "new" but some of the claims and suggestions the author makes are fairly mind-boggling.

It will make you ponder deeply your own human mind. I always have enjoyed a book that made me think as objectively as possible about primitive animal behavior, modern civilization, and the structure of our reality (physics). All of these elements are explored, combined and presented well.

Highly Recommended. Not the topic of light discussion...

Rating:
Summary: Holographic Universe
Review: Very enjoyable reading that is packed with possible explainations to questions like who are we, what is reality, where are we, and why. I do not recommend it for those with a "closed mind" that already have all the answers. Well worth the price.

Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: While I had interest and understanding of many of the concepts of this book, I had no idea what I was getting into. The holographic model of the universe seems capable of explaining nearly everything we experience within it's framework. Definitely worth reading if you enjoy understanding the impossible.

Rating:
Summary: The holographic premise as it relates to the unexplainable
Review: Upon purchasing this book, I expected a completely scientific approach and explanation of the holographic universe premise in relation to quantum physics. Talbot does explain the premise thoroughly and in an ease-to-understand way right off, but it does stray from what I -- and probably most readers -- expected. That is, more quantum theory and less of how the holographic premise related to real-world encounters with the paranormal, "miracles," and the unexplained in general. The strong relationship between the quantum and metaphysical was concluded more through speculation than scientific process. Of course there is no other way to draw that conclusion. No study in a lab or otherwise can prove so, but the circumstantial evidence is certainly convincing.

There are many fascinating instances on record by researchers and scientists throughout history that Talbot makes reference to, and they are one of the reasons I personally enjoyed this book. Each record should be taken with a grain of salty skepticism, however (Sai Baba). I've always enjoyed reading about such miraculous events from Edgar Cayce, to Don Juan, to Yogananda, and this book runs the gamut. I wish I discovered this book earlier for that reason, but it wasn't why I initially bought it and obviously why other reviewers hated it. It was a misconception of what this book actually covers.

There are certainly truths contained in Talbot's book that cannot be denied (though I'm sure there are those who will). One, that scientists can often be biased toward outcomes by their own ingrained belief systems. Two, that human consciousness affects matter. Three, there is currently no other scientific model of the universe that comes close to formulating logical approaches to phenomena such as stigmata, near death experiences, miracle healings, and so on.

In conclusion, for those who have a curious mind and search for a new perception of the world we live in, then Talbot's book will surely give you another option. While this isn't your standard scientific fare, it is a well-thought out and thought-provoking work complete with annotations to references used and is probably as "scientific" as you can get when talking about quantum physics and its explanation of the unexplainable.