Einstein's Space and Van Gogh's Sky: Physical Reality and Beyond

by Lawrence LeShan, Henry Margenau

An evaluation of the methodology and perspectives of modern science explains how discoveries in the physical sciences require and anticipate a revolutionary, philosophical interpretation of reality.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Physics, Metaphysics

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Also wrote as Edward Grendon.

Reviews

[Kyrianna]

This is not a light read. I started to read this book years ago -- and it's still on my "To Read" list. The sentences must be chewed on for awhile and then allowed time to digest - like a thick steak. So, it's not for everyone. Much like pickled pigs feet, it is an acquired taste. However, for what it lacks in entertainment, it makes up for in brillance. I don't want to read this book for its writing - but for its thoughts. The words are just a means to an end.

[John Traphagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As some note, this is not an easy read, but it is a fascinating exploration into how our thinking is related to the construction of reality. Margenau was a philosopher and physicist at Yale and this collaboration with LeShan produced a book well worth taking the time to work through. It may change how you see the world.

[Emily Leyland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have to read this again!

[Steven Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A physicist and psychologist have co-authored this work, in which they try to meld the two domains of knowledge to explain "reality." The authors note that (Page xii): "We ask the question: How can we deal with these percepts [such as perceptions, inner feelings, hopes, etc.]? Is there a procedure allowing us to deal with them systematic manner that might be said to impart to them 'reality'?"

The work ranges across physics theory (e.g., quantum theory and relativity) to the sdocial sciences, art, and ethics.

Overall, pretty well written and accessible to the general reader. Does it do what it sets out to do? Each reader must decide for him or herself.

[James Madsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Physicist Henry Margenau and pyschologist Lawrence LeShan co-wrote this book, which is an expansion in many way of the themes that LeShan addressed earlier in Alternate Realities and The Medium, the Mystic, and the Physicist. Provocative ideas well worth examination.

[Gilbert Wesley Purdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of fun but too mystical in its overarching thesis.

[Alan]

novelist and essayist Arthur Koestler wrote, "Einstein's space is no closer to reality than Van Gogh's sky. The glory of science is not a truth more absolute than the truth of Bach or Tolstoy... The scientist's discoveries impose his own order on chaos, as the composer or painter imposes his; an order that always refers to limited aspects of reality. Einstein's space is certainly closer to the world 'out there' than is Van Gogh's sky. But Van Gogh's sky is closer to our inner world. We must find ways to make these two worlds, these two visions of reality, mutually reinforcing. Artist-in-residence programs at scientific research institutions can help."