The Holographic Universe: The Revolutionary Theory of Reality

A friend told me that when he read this book back in the early1990s, it changed the way he viewed himself, his life, and in essence his entire world view. So I decided to read it. It turned out to be one of the most challenging and yet most rewarding books I’ve ever read. While reading it, in fact, I concluded that my friend was right. For, I sensed that if I’d read this book, or been exposed to this subject, as a much younger man, it might very-well have changed my life’s career path. For the subjects discussed in this book are so profoundly interesting, so thought provoking, and so intriguing that one could easily devote his (or her) entire life to their study and still not be satisfied.

As for the book: It presents a unique concept of a ‘holographic’ universe; one that is hard to believe but, given the wide-ranging ‘non-scientific’ evidence, just as hard not to believe. The reason for this incongruity, I’m sure, is that although a holographic view of the universe seems to make sense and explains much that pure science can’t explain; a holographic universe simply can’t be visualized nor even satisfactorily expressed in mere words. True, it is based in limited-part on physical properties (particularly those of the human brain), but it relies almost entirely on psychic and spiritual (or religious) phenomena and a massive amount of anecdotal evidence. Perhaps, as someone noted somewhere in this book, the holographic universe is the point at which the physical world intersects with the psychic world. But, if so, it’s still a bit difficult to envision. One thing for sure, however, the Holographic Universe, as described herein, opens at least as many thought provoking doors as it seems to close. Happy reading: go for it.

I found the discussion in part I of Bohm's and Pribram's work lucid and interesting. It was downhill after that. The holographic model was then used to "explain" the paranormal. References to quantum physics do not reflect the orthodox Copenhagen view--"...one of the basic tenets of quantum physics is that we are not discovering reality, but participating in its creation." p. 191. The first part is true, but not the second part. According to the Copenhagen view, external reality--the thing in itself--remains enigmatic. Quantum mechanics is not about ultimate reality (apart from human perception). Ir is about appearances, our descriptions, what we can say about nature. Consciousness participates to create the phenomena of appearances, but it does not create the external world--the thing-in-itself. Talbot never mentions this Kantian distinction between appearance (phenomena) and external reality (noumena). Talbot's version of quantum theory is the popularized New Age interpretation that confuses the "observer" with consciousness. In the Copenhagen view, the observer is not the physicist doing the experiment, but the measuring equipment that records the data. Here the instrument "creates" the result by what it is designed and set up to measure--either a particle event or a wave event. Consciousness has nothing to do with the result as it is occurring in the experiment. Humans may cause their own extinction, but the planet and the rest of the universe will keep on going. Consciousness creates models of reality, not reality itself. If the mind could really change reality in any way it desired, we'd all be flying like birds. Sorry, but such a fantasy is a childhood hangover. It exemplifies primary process thinking, the state of primary narcissism of early toddlerhood, in which the world is perceived as an extension of the self. It is, so to speak, the holographic "you-niverse."

From a philosophical perspective, the New Age "consciousness creates external reality" view is an example of extreme idealism, known as "solipsism," in which external reality is nothing but a product of the mind, and the self is therefore the only verifiable reality. Here are examples (from the HarperPerennial edition 1992): "reality is in a very large part a construct of the imagination." p. 138 "The world [is] nothing but an objectivized dream...and whatever your powerful mind believes very intensely instantly comes to pass." p. 153 "Indeed, if the universe is a holodeck, all things that appear stable and eternal, from the laws of physics to the substance of galaxies, would have to be viewed as reality fileds, will-o'-the-wisps no more or less real thatn the props in a giant, mutually shared dream. All permanence would have to be looked at as illusory, and only consciousness would be eternal, the consciousness of the living universe." p. 159. "Contrary to what everyone knows is so, it may not be the brain that produces consciousness, but rather consciousness that creates the appearance of the brain--matter, space, time and everything else we are pleased to interpret as the physical universe." p. 160. "...the mind is able to intercede in the implicate order, the holographic plate that gives birth to the hologram we call the universe, and thus create any reality or laws of physics that it wants to, then not only are such things possible, but virtually anything is possible." p. 161. "...we are at heart just images, holographic constructs, created by thought." p. 219. "...the mind may be able to alter the past as well." p. 226. "...in a holographic universe...time is an illusion and reality is no more that a mind-created image..." p. 226. "...we are ultimately no more bound by space than we are by time." p. 230. "Under the right circumstances our consciousness--the thinking, perceiveing part of us--can detach from the physical body and exist just about anywhere it wants to." p. 234. "...encounters with UFO beings 'may be our first true quantum discovery in the large-scale world: The very act of observing it may be creating it as a concrete actuality, with sense, definition, and a consciousness of its own.'" p. 280-281. "Consciousness is not only a subtler from of matter, but it is more fundamental than matter...it is matter that has emerged from consciousness, and not the other way around." p. 288.

Solipsim is the opposite of extreme materialism, in which matter is fundamental, and consciousness is a mere epiphenomenon. While miraculous paranormal phenomena logically follow from an extreme idealism assumption, such an assumption is itself irrational and impossible to logically defend. Who is the solipsist debating? A figment of the imagination? I seriously question the authenticity of much of the paranormal superhuman feats detailed in the book. Much of it smacks of ego-inflation--a buffing of fingernails on the chest--which is so characteristic of the narcissism of New Age mythology. From an integral perspective (Ken Wilber), "The Holographic Universe" is an example of a pre/trans fallacy--pre-rational, magical, primitive thinking couched in trans-rational post-formal cognitive concepts. It is not a scientific explanation. It is myth making.

A must-read for anyone contemplating the nature of reality. Mr. Talbot has amassed a comprehensive, fascinating, and balanced collection of information, with every page offering fresh and relevant insights into what, where, and how we are. Additionally, it is literary, engaging, and well-written, with a true writer's eye. I very much enjoyed the book's narrative, and quick, precise style, not to mention its abundant substance.

I originally read this book eight years ago, when I was in a very different place mentally. The text struck me even then, by the sheer possibilities contained within; however, upon recently rereading it, I saw it with new eyes, shocked. The theories and contemplations in this book echo almost exactly my experience in the interim between my first reading the book, and rereading it. So precise are these similarities, I can't help but to add it to the collection of experiential and empirical evidence I've amassed regarding the nature of reality. (If I weren't so skeptical and objective in evaluating my own experience, I might conclude that, after my first reading it, the book subconsciously shaped my perception of future events!)

My only criticism of the text is in regards to its presentation of evidence. While the book does, prudently, keep its conclusions conservative and open-ended (the hallmark of all truth-seeking), there are several times where scientific evidence is presented as factual, with assumptions and deductions made from this. Though this is rare, it is contradictory to the book's acknowledgement that scientific evidence is, by nature, fundamentally questionable, because of the very theses and postulations presented within (namely that scientific evidence lacks any real means of validation, due to factors such as expectation, observance, and perception, as well as our crippled perspective in the scheme of things, which equates to us analyzing an instrument by using the instrument). That said, this is a minor point, only mentionable for reasons of objectivity. The keen, vigilant reader will note these incidences, and amend their conclusions appropriately.

I am very grateful for this book, as it has greatly facilitated my knowledge and awareness, as much eight years ago as now. Thank you, Mr. Talbot!

I tend to be skeptical about Grand Theories of Everything, and I do not trust studies that simply lump every anecdote, rumor, legend, or alleged "scientific study" in one big pile to confirm such a theory. Well, that's what Talbot's book is. It's a little depressing to read these reviews and see how uncritical some people are because they want so hard to believe their New Age dogmas.

That said, however, the book is worth at least a casual read, because what he discusses is certainly worth thinking about. And considering he wrote this over twenty years ago, just before his premature death, some of what he hypothesizes seems prescient in light of cosmological and astrophysical discoveries since that time, especially concerning dark matter, dark energy, and the shape, origins, and expansion of the universe. (Note: I am not by any means an expert in either field, although I have a strong interest and have done some serious reading in both.) The holographic concept deserves serious consideration, even if it is ultimately untestable. I also agree with his idea of the connection between science and spirituality--I admire the Dalai Lama's thoughts on that issue--and his holistic approach to scientific exploration.

But he goes overboard. He let his enthusiasm run away with him. For example, although I tend to agree with mind-body theories of disease, his chapter on cancer--especially what he has to say about snake oil like Krebiozen--is way over the top. He treats every mystical experience anyone ever had as absolutely valid. He applies his Grand Theory uncritically to NDE's, dreams, religious visions, psychic phenomena...you name it. In short, he completely abandons the logical rigor and skepticism that is needed in a serious study that purports to be scientific. Perhaps had he lived longer, he might have been able to develop his ideas in a more well-organized fashion.

So read it. The first third is worth a careful read for a good introduction to the ideas of David Bohm. The last two-thirds--give it a good skim, and keep an open mind.

Plain and simple, yeah it's a pretty awesome book. Talks a lot of science, with math, physics, and of course the cosmos, but it also talks about other cool aspects such as lucid dreaming and so on. It's a great read for people that are interested, and it might just bring you deeper down the rabbit hole. I mean, look..do I believe that the world is just a hologram being projected from our minds? No, not really. I look at it as this cool, fun and this new way to wonder at the possibility of these things. This book isn't going to "answer" all your questions, but for some it will. And others just leave you to ponder your way to a conclusion you think is right. I read it because the backbone to this story (aka the title) is itself super trippy! So, maybe if you aren't as lured into it, perhaps it isn't for you.

My biggest problem with this book: the universe is not a hologram: as someone said, that is a metaphor, and a metaphor only takes you so far. I can say, a fire truck is an apple: they are both red, but does that really advance your understanding of either? I skimmed the first hundred pages or so: it was interesting, but dense, and I'm not sure his metaphor is ever going to flesh out my understanding of physics or psychology. As near as I can follow, I think he says there is an aether underlying all reality which is really the source of all phenomenon. Every once in a while, the author admits that many (most?) physicists dismiss the analysis. While that doesn't mean he is wrong, it doesn't mean he is correct.
Are there phenomena in physics and psychology that we can't explain? Yes. Is the universe a hologram? No. I don't have time or desire to finish this long book. I can see where it's going: a lot of curious, interesting unexplained phenomena, which bear some remote similarity to a hologram, ergo, reality is a hologram. Except . . . not.

Okay, the first chapters make sense. But about halfway through, it's just a bunch of pseudoscience. I recall one part where he claimed a woman from Idaho had an 'aura' around her, and in that aura were potatoes. And that's how he knew she was from Idaho. I'm not actually kidding about this.

This book is not at ALL what I expected. I honestly don't know where they get off putting it in the 'science' category, because it really isn't that.

There is an interesting universe-as-hologram hypothesis in physics. I thought that's what this book would be about. But instead of reasonable exploration of hypothetical concepts, what I got instead was "this stuff is 100% REAL based on a couple of papers written by a tiny handful of very obscure scientists, and BECAUSE it's all 100% real, you can melt tumors with your brain! Change PAST events by thinking about them really hard! Psychic surgery can actually cure you and is totally not a massive fraud perpetrated by a bunch of con men. Also your internal organs have their own rudimentary consciousness and you can upset them if you think bad thoughts about them and it'll make you sick, so don't do that." (?!?!)

The end of the book even seems to suggest that conventional science would be better off if it became LESS objective and fact based. I really hope no one is taking this crap seriously, because that's what it is, is crap.

I would also like to point out that the author of this book, who claimed that it's possible to heal things like cancer by thinking about it the right way, subsequently died of cancer. So... I guess he wasn't wishing for it to go away hard enough? Come ON.

Gets 2 stars only because it's SO far out there that you might chuckle a few times at the total absurdity.

This is a book written for an open mind that if approached as such will make you think about
your place in the world. It is not meant for glib minds ready with philosophical arrows of rejection. It is a masterpiece of cogitation through reflection. It was written for the general public and as such you will find many popular examples that might not add up. So, to approach it as a scientific treatise is to miss the point that the author is trying to make.

The author is just trying to get you to think about your place in your mind and the tittle of the book says it all-"The Holographic Universe." If you read it as a New Age novel, you will be wasting your time. If you approach it with vapid, western philosophical questions, you will cease to think about its message. It is never easy anywhere trying to explain or interpret what is mind and what is matter and how they might interact. Or, for that matter, what is consciousness.

So what if this model of reality is still based on the Cartesian view of reality? So what if it is a model still looking for the "I" in its implementation? So What? As more research is done and updated, the idea of a holographic view of reality might one of the tools that will assist us in chipping away at the mystery of consciousness.

The limitation of the prejudice of not considering another angle or view of reality is what is the real limitation in perception. Unfortunately,scientific thought is the paradox that provides man's best tool for attempting to understand himself while at the same time constipating him and preventing him from continuing to observe himself from different angles of perception. For explorations beyond "the lure of the edge of completeness" that keeps rearing its head in science and in our search for answers, you constantly have to break out of that rigid box which only allows you to see the four interior walls but nothing else beyond that.

Other ideas will come along, but this is one of the best books about man's search for explanations of reality that you will read if and only if you really, really approach it with an open mind.

Amazing how a little book that is already dated can still contain such powerful ideas.

I'd like to give this 3.5 stars instead of 4, but I can't. Oh well.

It's hard for me to criticize The Holographic Universe because it was the beginning of an incredible journey for me. On a recommendation from a friend in college, I read this book and become endlessly obsessed with the world of quantum physics and the sometimes unbelievable nature of reality and the human brain. This book was a great introduction to the weirdness that happens around us every day and it was explained in a manner that I found accessible even though I had never learned about it before.

Plenty of the concepts introduced in this book have been necessarily repeated in many of the physics related books I've read since (such as the double slit experiment), thereby not only clarifying them further for my own understanding and also lending some legitimacy to The Holographic Universe.

BUT, and that's a big "but," be forewarned that this book is generally based on wild speculation that, while mostly intriguing and fascinating, can get pretty "out there" at times. While I appreciate a daring leap of faith as much as anyone, and many things discussed here are at least worth considering even if only for fun, there are several times that the author makes statements that just made me say "WTF," even at a time when I was quite receptive to new age-type trains of thought. (One thing that comes to mind is when he claims that he materialized a pile of pasta out of thin air if I remember that part right.)

Taking the legitimate (and very interesting) science at the beginning and applying it to how it could potentially explain more supernatural type events is entertaining, but the author is a little too convinced for my taste and makes a few claims that I just couldn't possibly stand behind.

That said, I still wind up rating this book rather highly for the simple fact that it did essentially change my life and send me on a course to learning how unbelievably incredible our universe actually is. For curious, open minds.