The Quantum Society: Mind, Physics, and a New Social Vision

by Danah Zohar, Ian Marshall

In The Quantum Society authors Danah Zohar and Ian Marshall offer a compelling vision for transforming society using the insights of quantum physics to illuminate their ideas. Diversity, they suggest, is the creative evolutionary force, and the more diverse the society, the greater the opportunity for transformation and growth. Their theory of cosmic and social evolution allows us to discover the meaning and purpose of society through an appreciation and understanding of pluralistic thinking. The result is an all-embracing social model that celebrates the dynamic unity that is possible when we work together to orchestrate and articulate our interdependence. The quantum society is flexible, evolving, and ambiguous. In short, it reflects the idea of society as a living system. The authors use the language of physics to provide the images and metaphors appropriate for understanding the principles that inform this system, bringing into focus our harmonious place within the natural world.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Philosophy

364 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 1994

Reviews

[Chris capp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic comparison of how quantum mechanics works with dualism, behaving as particles and waves at the same time and relating to human beings behaving in society. In order for our race to evolve to higher beings we need behave more like quantum particles (the originations of our universe)in being ourselves (particle) but also comingling with humans (wave) with an open mind and working collaberatively to work situations and problems out. You can't make progress in this world having a 1 track closed mind to everything. Everyone on this planet is here for a reason and we need to hone in on everyone's gifts, thoughts and ideas in order to better ourselves as human beings.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a compelling book that explores the relationship between quantum systems and nature. Instead of looking at a dichotomy between human beings and the material world there is an alternative view that there is no clear demarcation between the observer and the observed but rather a more integrated relationship between the two. In other words man does not stand outside his observation but is a participant in the unfolding nature. This view is derived from the theory of Quantum Physics which essential theme is that the underlying reality of all things is the quantum potentiality or often described as the "Ground Zero", or "Vacuum" which is the ultimate potential from whence all things are a part. Therefore, we are that evolving reality and are or from the "Ground Zero" of all things. We, therefore, are able to celebrate our diversity and find creative unity in our differences. Although the author provides compelling arguments, the leap from the theory of quantum physics to the application to human relations is indeed a long one.

[Sarah Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an assigned text in my philosophy of teaching class at WWU. I wish I could remember the name of that professor; he was one of two outstanding faculty I encountered there. Anyway, this was an interesting metaphor for society. I know that physicists have complained about books like this, about extending physics concepts to other areas, but they just have to understand that the human mind works in metaphors. When we get a new one, we apply that tool to everything to see what it fits, to see how we can turn that screw. I found this book useful. Essentially, what I got out of this is that the pattern is always changing, so any system must be built to change with the pattern if it is to endure.