Enter The StreamOctober 30, 2005 0 out of 4 found this review helpful
This review is to give a prospective reader a more informed overview of the content of this book [...].
[...] The book is incredibly well documented with an informative bibliography and no fact is presented without the requisite reference supplied for the reader to follow up if they are so inclined.
This book is NOT by David Finkelstein co-authored with Gary Zukav as erroneously stated. David Finkelstein provides the forward only... "New Physics" is a common reference to quantum sciences, particle physics, and relativity. It serves to identify the distinction from Newtonian physics and to correlate it to "new age" is nothing short of ignorance. But then we all know that you do not end a sentence with a preposition; that gluten is a plant protein; and the colloquialism is "glutton for punishment."
I have owned this book for many years. I first read it nearly 15 years ago and at that time the book was already over 10 years old... If you are at all familiar with Quantum physics and the quest for the ultimate unifying theory that brings together Newtonian physics and Quantum physics then you should be aware that new discoveries are currently being made... making the subject somewhat of a moving target. Given that the book was first published in 1979 it is a reasonable summation that new things have been discovered since then therefore much of what the book elucidates has advanced since its publication, though this hardly makes the book without merit.
It is important to note that I am a Buddhist with over 20 years of practice and Dharma training and am therefore qualified to comment on this aspect of the book [...]. While the book is a layman's exploration of Quantum mechanics, the expedition is conducted within the framework of a spiritual journey. Though having read other books by Zukav this may be more readily apparent to me that someone else. Nonetheless the merits of this book must be evaluated both for the scientific, and spiritual effort.
Computer Sciences is my area of expertise not Quantum sciences, nor was it Gary Zukav's when he wrote this book. However in my own quest to completely understand what I had read in this book I found many corroborating and complimentary books, by other experts in the field like Lee Smolin (Three Roads To Quantum Gravity), Brian Green (The Elegant Universe), David Darling (Equations of Eternity), Fritjof Capra (The Tao of Physics), not to mention the works of Gödel, Turing, Einstein, Bohr, Planck, Heisenberg, Schrödinger, etc, etc... the list goes on
The sublime beauty of this book serves to elucidate the "new physics" of quantum theory, particle physics, and relativity within the context of Eastern spiritual philosophies. Though, not to the degree The Tao of Physics, by Fritjof Capra did when first published in 1975. I find The Dancing WuLi Masters a more accessible experience then The Tao of Physics in that it reads and feels like a natural process of discovery and confirmation, as opposed to an academic correlation. The books does a good job of explaining esoteric and complex concepts in easily understood terms though if the reader is not already somewhat familiar and interested in the subject matter an attempt to read it could prove to be an exercise in abject futility.
This is not a casual read for someone who knows nothing of the Quantum Sciences. Nor is it a casual read for someone who knows nothing of the Eastern philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism, or Hinduism even though [...] it only makes up about 5% of the content. I found this book to be very beautiful... It had a life changing impact for me in that it set in motion an interest that lead to the reading of the works of some of our planets greatest scientists, philosophers, and spiritual leaders... Which lead to a greater understanding of myself, and my spiritual journey.
[...]
This book was like a light in the dark... an epiphany that set the wheel in motion... the first step in the journey of a thousand steps... To Gary Zukav I will be forever grateful for this book a treatise unifying the mind and spirit... as important to the intellect as the soul.
This book has great intellectual merit if you are interested in the subject matter. If the subject matter appeal to your intellect and your spirit is open the merit of the content of each page is infinite. It is unfortunate for those who have read the pages and missed the message.
Not an fun readAugust 5, 2005 3 out of 15 found this review helpful
I was hoping for something much more layman in explaining the great quantum physics. It is not an easy read. I have found other books that were more easy to read on the subject.
Voodoo PhysicsJuly 6, 2005 9 out of 32 found this review helpful
Gary Zukav states in his introduction "I had never studied physics. In fact I didn't like science and I had no mathematical aptitude.
On Opra (TV) he admitted that he does not have a TV which may explain his lack of contemporary physics let alone any depth.
I noticed that some reviewers refer to the "New Physics" is that like "New Age" or voodoo physics?
90% of the matter must be missing from this book. Or else how can he take physics out of context and make such fantastic leaps to religions parallels 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 reading some of these: "The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski". The book available everywhere the DVD's available from the UK.
"The Upanishads" by Eknath Easwaran (Editor), Michael N. Nagler (Photographer)
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.
Also on the fringe but not as radical as Zukav is a series called "What the Bleep." (both in books and on video)
The Upanishads (Classic of Indian Spirituality)
95% Quantum mechanics and 5% Eastern MysticismJune 25, 2005 6 out of 10 found this review helpful
I wish I had this book to read as a companion piece when I took Basic Physics 102 when I was in college. At my college, Basic Physics 101 was an introduction to the Newtonian approach to explaining the universe and Basic Physics 102 was an introduction to Quantum Mechanics. I think Gary Zukav's book would make a nice companion reading to the basic college text book on Quantum Mechanics.
The book is well written, relatively clear even when he is explaining highly complex and abstract concepts. However, every now and then Gary Zukav gets too speculatives and over interpretes.
Whereas the book starts out with assetions that linkages would be made between Eastern mysticism and Quantum Mechanics, the book is basically 95% Quantum Mechanics and 5% Eastern mysticism and Gary Zukav does not always make convincing arguments as to how the two are tied together.
Certain ConsiderationsFebruary 11, 2005 12 out of 16 found this review helpful
First let me start by saying that I, as a layman, enjoyed this book intensely. I don't have a degree in Physics by any stretch of the imagination, rather I have a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, which is a nice way of saying I have a little bit of knowledge about everything.
I was given this book as a gift by a friend of mine who is deep into "New Age" writing. I was told that Zukav's writing style is dry, and though I can't confirm or deny that statement, I haven't read any of his other work, I found this book to be witty and engaging. I'll agree with certain other reviewers in saying that his attempts to unite certain Eastern philosophies with modern Quantum Mechanics seem somewhat contrived and at times bewildering. The world he describes is truly pure enchantment, but based on his credentials I now wonder if its his fantasy about Quantum Physics or a factual description of Quantum phenomena.
In the end, the major thing this book accomplished is whetting my appetite. Due to the exquisite writing and poetic descriptions in this book, I've chosen to look into Quantum Mechanics more closely with books by actual Quantum Physicist. I'm steadily considering continuing my education in the field, perhaps choosing a career in it if it continues to fascinate.
