The Holographic Universe
by Michael Talbot
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Book Reviews of The Holographic Universe
Book Review: Suspend your preconceptions and you may have an epiphany ...
Summary: 5 Stars
"I am sure you have gone astray if you are moved to homesickness for anything in this dimension. We transform these things; they are not real, they are only the reflection upon the polished surface of our being." ~~ Ranier M. Rilke, from "Requiem for a Friend" You've heard the parable of the five blind men who examined an elephant, to find it "like a rope, a tree, a wall, a spear, or a snake", depending on whether they encountered tail, leg, torso, tusk, or trunk? The polarities of the other 68 reviews remind me of that parable. I must comment to three: to 5-star "Mindboggling!!!!", who said, "...should be the new "Bible"!!!"; I liked it, too. But please, let's not. We've religions enough; to 1-star "The only book I ever trashed ... ", who threw it away, because, "To sell it would have made me feel guilty that someone might read it and believe it."; On behalf of the libraries to which you deprived a donation, thanks. Check out Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" at the library nearest you. You may find yourself. And to those who raked Talbot over the coals for his "unscientific" approach, I recommend your re-read his introduction, and understand his intention. For works of a sufficiently scientific approach, explore his 25 page bibliography.
Part one begins, "Sit down before fact like a little child, and be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, to follow humbly wherever and to whatever abyss Nature leads, or you shall learn nothing." T. H. Huxley, quoted on the overleaf. Part One so thoroughly drew me in that I could not put the book down.
Chapter 1: The Brain as Hologram (Pribram). Memory; local or non-local, that is the question. Do specific memories reside in specific locations (cells)? That they do is stipulated as the commonly accepted view. That they do not is put forward with evidence from Pribram's work, along with that of Penfield, Lashley, and others. Hologram fundamentals are reviewed (keep in mind "reference beam", "object beam", and "interference pattern"). Eyesight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste are spoken of as operating in frequency spectrums. How does associative memory work? And photographic memory? The statement that "there is evidence that neurons respond individually to narrow bands of frequencies" (everything has a resonant frequency) leapt off the page at me. The inference I take from it is that, in a holographic model for memory ~ and consciousness itself ~ our five senses provide the "reference beams". Talbot touches upon transference of motor skills, phantom limb phenomena, and the idea that the brain employs Fourier Transform to process and comprehend sensory input. He concludes by alluding to Pribram pondering the implications of his theory with respect to the nature of reality and how we experience it.
Chapter 2: The Cosmos as Hologram (Bohm). Quanta only behave as particles when we look at them; they are interconnected (both at a distance, instantaneously, and with near-conscious, self sustaining behavior, in a plasma). Physicist Nick Herbert is quoted, "...Likewise humans can never experience the true texture of quantum reality because everything we touch turns to matter." It's a very small leap from there to infer that our brain's cognitive processes influence the physical world as much as the physical world influences us.
The remaining seven chapters are an exploration of these ideas and relate to a variety of phenomena: placebo effect, dreams, hypnosis, psychedelic drugs and psychedelic experiences WITHOUT drugs, shamanism, precognition, near death experiences ~~~ everything but the kitchen sink. I cannot express my thoughts here succinctly enough to fit the word count limit. Be prepared for an excursion into things for which there is no explanation, and to which "pure science" replies "insufficient evidence". There was so much material concerning psychic phenomena that at times it seemed as though Talbot was shouting "Look, look! You cannot ignore this." But then, for the most part my own spiritual beliefs already accommodate things that he seemed intent of providing overwhelming evidence to support. I just have evidence enough of my own (experiential, not "empirical") that it wasn't necessary. Most of it I did find fascinating. The only exception was Talbot's personal experiences with "poltergeist" phenomena, which, while I understand their influence on his curiosity, seemed to detract a bit from the body of evidence he presents.
Personally, I'm not overly impressed with phenomena, and do not hunger for it. Truth impresses me. Alot. That's where my particular appetite peaks. And I think Talbot is on to something true. "Holographic Universe" was an epiphany for me.
I'll concede "Holographic Universe" is not "purely scientific" enough for stalwart academics. it may well be a map to the "Rosetta Stone" for how human consciousness functions within the quantum universe: a "sneak preview" to a "theory of everything" that has the capacity to account for human "mystical" experience, including a plausible explanation of the form and function of the human soul. Name any "pure scientist" who did not, at least in private life, ponder "purely unscientific" philosophical implications of their work in the context of a higher meaning. I cannot. Talbot portrays Pribram and Bohm as deserving, for their departure from the "orthodox" view, their own unwritten chapters in "Profiles in Courage".
"Everywhere I go, I find the poet has been there before me." ~~ Jung
"We transform these things; they are not real, they are only the reflection upon the polished surface of our being ..." ~~ Rilke
Book Review: Major disapointment
Summary: 2 Stars
The Holographic Universe is at worst a major hoax or at best the writer is innocently using the National Enquirer as his source to back up the many outrageous claims. I am particularly stunned that the reviews below rate this book so highly, prooving the long held notion that people will believe anything they read.
What started out as a solidly grounded scientific theory with support from the works of Einstein, Bohr, and other respected scientists gradually turns into a mystical, witch-craft, tarrot card training manual. The well documented placebo effect is exagerated to a point that no rational person could possibly accept.
For example, the author brings an example of Jack Schwarz, "a Dutch-born author and lecturer, astounded researchers in laboratories across the United States with his ability to willfully control his body's internal biological processes. In studies conducted at the Menninger Foundation, the University of California's Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute, and others, Schawrz astonished doctors by sticking mammoth six-inch sailmaker's needles completely through his arms without bleeding, without flinching, and without producing beta brain waves." I would normally dismuss such nonsense without firther thought, but because I believed that I was reading the work of a respected author I decided to investigate further.
So I called the Menninger Foundation. I spoke with the media relations person at the Foundation extensively about this case and she confirmed that no such research ever existed at the Menninger Foundation. If you are still skeptical, go ahead and call them yourself - (713)275-5000.
Next the author brings several examples of stigmata as though they are solid scientific evidence. Are you serious?! Somebody please pass me the Prozac! Stigmata is a well documented fraud that are just self-inflicted wounds by severely dillusional and psychotic individuals. Here, and I will quote "There are two main reason for believing that stigmata are usually self-inflicted, rather then psychosomatic. One, no stigmatic ever manifests these wounds from start to finish in the presence of others. Only when they are unwatched do they start to bleed. And two, Hume's rule in "Of Miracles" is that when an alleged miracle occurs we ask ourselves which would be more miraculous, the alleged miracle or that we are being hoaxed?"
Instead the author supports his evidence from testimony of devout Catholic priests and folowers, who lets just say are more then a little boased. Next, Mr. Talbot serves up nonsense like "During the last years of her life [St. Veronica Giuliani] became convinced that the images of the Passion - a crown of thorns, three nails, a cross, and a sword - had become emblazoned on her heart. She drew pictures of these and even noted where they were located. After she died an autopsy revealed that the symbols were indeed impressed on her heart exactly as she had depicted them. The two doctors who performed the autopsy signed sworn statements attesting to their findings". Wow, sworn statements? How about photographic evidence? Don't you think that if such a remarkable case had ever been documented that maybe it would appear on the front page of the New York Times?
The book continuous with more and more examples like this to make its case that the mind can cause physical manifestations in reality, however, as already noted with some examples above if the evidence presented is carefully investigated the whole case quickly falls appart like a giant house of cards.
And don't even let me get started on the little Mohotty who can put large hooks through his skin without any bleeding... I would advise Mr. Talbot, if he trully believes that such amazing mind feats are possible, to simply end his writing career and instead contact the James Randi Foundation which would pay him a hefty $1 million if he can demonstrate any of these events under scientific scrutiny.
I would further conclude that Mr. Talbot must certainly knows how outrageous his claims are and that he is either taking advantage of the reader or insulting their intelligence. The holographic model of the universe does have substance, but certainly there is no reason to continue reading the book after chapter 2.
I give the book 2 stars for its entertainment value.
Book Review: A very thought provoking book!
Summary: 5 Stars
The Holographic Universe, by Michael Talbot
Harper Perennial, 1992
This book was recommended to me by a good friend who had read my book ('The Road to Damascus', iUniverse, 1999). I am grateful to her. It is a book I would not have wanted to miss.
I had just finished 'The Elegant Universe,' by Brian Greene, which is a remarkable exposition of the so-called 'superstring theory, ' as well as the best, most easily understandable explanation of relativity and quantum theory that I have yet read. 'The Holographic Universe,' however, is in a different category altogether.
Talbot's formal educational accomplishments, background or qualifications are not given in the book, save to say that he is the author of 'Mysticism and the New Physics' and 'Beyond the Quantum.' He lives in New York City.
He does, however, inform us that he has a personal background that includes psychical abilities (the ability to perceive auras, and a history of causing poltergeist phenomenon as a child.)
His basic thesis is that the universe is a hologram, composed of interference patterns, and, basically, that mind and 'matter' are interactive, and that essentially, the human mind can and does exercise some control over the material world, including causing and healing illness and psychokinetic effects.
He names several scientists and others who are in agreement with him, and in fact does not claim to be the originator of the theory.
As I understand holography, and I freely admit that my understanding is rudimentary, a holographic image of an object is created by the use of a laser beam which is bounced off the original object and then split (by mirrors) into a reference beam and an interference beam which come together again to form an image on film composed of an unintelligible pattern of interference waves (like concentric circles on a pond caused by dropping two or more rocks in the water at different locations.) The film image remains unintelligible until another laser beam is passed through it (any part of it) which forms a three-dimensional image of the original object, in mid-air.
Thus, it is difficult for me to correlate that understanding into a theory of the composition of the universe. I can understand that the universe might be composed of interference waves, but where is the original 'object'?
Michael Talbot speaks of an 'implicate order' and an 'explicate order.' If I understand him, and I think I do, he is substituting the term 'implicate order' for the original, causative source of everything. The explicate order is the 'reality' in which we are entrapped.
In my book, I simply use the word 'God' for essentially the same radical root of reality (the implicate order.) Perhaps our versions of reality are for all intents and purposes the same, except for terminology. I rather suspect that is true.
Talbot speaks of, and quotes, many sources. The only one whom I have personally met is Dr. Stanislav Grof, who spoke at a seminar I attended once at Asilimar in central California. He was impressive. Talbot describes 'miracles,' including healing, therapeutic touching and a variety of strange and unusual happenings which require a suspension of disbelief, but which, if you can subscribe to his theory are explainable within that framework.
He gives, names, cites his sources, and provides a subject index. The book appears to be a scholarly work, on which he has spent considerable time and effort. Whether the universe is technically a hologram, or not, will be debatable for some time to come, no doubt, as the scientific proof seems as difficult to obtain as proof of string theory.
Do I recommend his book? By all means! And then, or even before you buy it, I recommend my own book to you. Mine is only 124 pages, and it is, I think, far easier to understand. And, we seem to be saying much the same thing.
Regardless, Talbot's book is well worth reading, and will hold your attention, I'm sure. I rate it at an easy five stars.
Joseph Pierre,
Author of THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS: Our Journey Through Eternity.
Book Review: Mind-Blowing!
Summary: 5 Stars
Never before has a book ventured to explain such a comprehensive range of supernatural and metaphysical phenomena within one single theoretical framework. The ability of the Holographic Model to shed light on a prolific scope of inexplicable "psychic" occurrences (that has eluded conventional science) with such simplicity is just too "beautiful" not to be considered an integral component in the fabric of reality itself. This sentiment is similar to those held by modern physicists regarding the concept of super-string theory; that it is mathematically able to unify all matter and forces in the universe under one elegant principle. In a way, one may be so bold as to say that these two theoretical constructs could be viewed as two sides of the same coin; whereas super-string theory can tell us the "hows" of the universe, the holographic model helps us understand the "whys".
Employing irrefutable anecdotal evidence and eye-witness accounts, Michael Talbot builds his book, example by example, on the foundations of the holographic model as set forth by the intellectual union of Karl Pribram and David Bohm. Through their respective disciplines in neurology and quantum physics, Pribram and Bohm have both amazingly arrived at the same ground-breaking concept: That reality itself is a hologram. According to the theory, reality is the unfolding of a densely rich interference pattern (the implicate order) that is given holographic form by our consciousness (acting like a laser) and stored in such a manner by our brains as memories. As such, all information, regardless of time, space or dimensionality, is "non-local" whereby every seemingly "fragmented" entity (you, me, the computer screen you are sitting in front of, or even the Titanic) in existence contains the information for the construction of the whole. In the implicate order, one is all and all is one, the proverbial "universe in a grain of sand". The implications are nothing short of staggering. Telekinesis, telepathy, psychokinesis, poltergeist activity, human energy fields (auras), precognition, remote-viewing, psychometry, object manifestation, miraculous healing, OBEs (Out of Body Experiences), NDEs (Near Death Experiences), lucid dreaming, hypnosis, Marian visions and UFO sightings, all become tenable manifestations of the Holographic Model.
Central to the book is the idea that, in modern times, human consciousness, en masse, has become complacent and passive in its unfolding of the implicate order under the influence of "objective" science. Since we are inclined to believe that there is an "in here" (mind) subjected to an "out there" (reality), we view ourselves nothing more than impotent bystanders in an infinite universe, vulnerable to its machinations, unobtrusive observers to its processes. However, the Holographic Model tells us that the in-here/out-there dichotomy is but an illusion we have become accustomed to. Through our beliefs, the accumulated body of our dominant thought patterns, we are subconsciously and unconsciously reinforcing the "solidity" of our reality. According to a variety of phenomena cited in the book, some people have been able to "tap" into their deepest beliefs in order to become active participators in the creation of the explicate order. All matter in existence, like the holograms we create of it in our memories, are nothing more than a mere collections of waves, interference patterns that can "molded" by us as potently as it "molds" us, like a never-ending feed-back loop.
This book is a keeper, one that has the ability to shatter our deepest held notions of reality by impelling us to expand our dogmatic horizons so as to acknowledge all the well documented possibilities of the power displayed by the human psyche that science has been so keen to sweep under the rug.
Book Review: I don't want to abandon my comfort zones
Summary: 3 Stars
I read Michael Talbot's book over six months ago. As a general practice I defer writing a review until I am confident my opinion has stabilized. Typically that occurs by the time I reach the final page. This time I was all over the map and in reality (I guess) I still can't state with assurance how valid I found his speculations. Yet, I also cannot overlook the subtle adaptations in perceptiveness I have experienced over that period. Mr. Talbot's text is a quasi-credulous compendium of New Age philosophy and conventional scientific investigation, a Vulcan mind meld of Carlos Castaneda and Stephen Hawking. I just might be too left-brained to acquiesce to his exhortations even though past experience has indicated my cognitive distributive ratio lies closer to evenly balanced. One salient distinction I recognize is I am not nearly as unsettled by my incapability to find explanations for all that occurs in what I believe to be the tangible observable world. Immanuel Kant depicted a noumenal world inexplicable to or by the corporeal being. Talbot is a "demi-Aristotelian" of implicated essences that while they can be abstracted most of us have lost the power to distinguish them. He is careful to remain within theistic dogma as he never directly challenges a spiritual imperative. The holographic model of vision infers an undefined, omnipotent presence(s) at the impetus of all phenomena; any differences are attributable to how our cognition unfolds.
I will grant under the premises of this theory, most of the knowledge I have acquired over the years, and nearly all I have retained does serve as interfering influences to objective acceptance of all of his postulations regarding the holographic paradigm. The first two chapters of Mr. Talbot's book appear completely supportable by conventional scientific principles. Thereafter, he progressively moves from speculative to the metaphysical to the numinous and protean spirituality, by the time he reached his concluding sections my mind had turned to stone. Although out of body/ near death experience is foreign to me, I have no doubt personal encounters would result in an entirely different outlook. Likewise, stigmata, telekinesis and the plausibility of multiple parallel universes are all intriguing, but Mr. Talbot simply did not present explanations I found to be anymore valid than those we currently find questionable. It was his discussion of synchronicities, those coincidences that are so unusual and so meaningful they could hardly be attributed to chance alone that compelled me to try to soften my brain's rigidity. For inexplicable reasons, two subjects in the book made very strong impressions upon me although neither area was of significant length or major importance: the physical properties of neutrino subatomic particles that seem to morph to correspond to the physicists interpretations of them, and the minds' ability to create what we see while not necessarily generating an accurate reproduction of what we think we are observing.
As I sat down to submit this review for at least the fourth time, I happened upon a copy of a popular science magazine where the two lead stories were concerned with the very same subjects. Quite possibly, enhanced awareness of newly or recently discovered information would typically result in heightened awareness, yet the confluence of events does infer reevaluation with reduced incredulity.
As Talbot states "science already accepts what is probable about very important matters if those matters fall into the category of "fashionable things to believe" but not if they fall into the category of "unfashionable things to believe." My categorical dismissal just might be recalcitrance to change. Nothing is lost by reading the book. You may end up seeing things that were always there.