Cosmic Conversations: Dialogues on the Nature of the Universe and the Search for Reality [Paperback]

Stephan Martin (Author), Brian Swimme (Contributor), Fred Alan Wolf (Contributor), Peter Russell (Contributor), Bernard Haisch (Contributor), Richard Tarnas (Contributor), Barbara Marx Hubbard (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2009

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered, "What is the universe?"

In this lively and engaging collection of interviews, astronomer Stephan Martin talks with some of today's most innovative and cutting-edge thinkers on the nature of the universe and our relationship to it. Scientists, mystics, indigenous elders, and cultural creatives all share their unique voices on the nature of reality, the interplay of science and religion, the future of humanity, and the role of each person in a mysterious and evolving universe.

Filled with rich insight, dynamic discussion, and penetrating wisdom, Cosmic Conversations asks the fundamental questions about the universe that many of us have wondered about yet few have explored in-depth, questions such as:

* Do time, space, and matter really exist?

* Can the universe be inside us, outside us, or both?

* Is the universe alive, conscious, and intelligent?

* Where are we in the cosmic evolutionary picture?

A compelling journey from the farthest reaches of outer space to the innermost realms of the human heart, Cosmic Conversations will change the way you look at the universe (and yourself) forever.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephan Martin is an astronomer, educator, and author who has taught astronomy and physics at colleges and educational centers across the United States for more than 20 years. A specialist in extragalactic astronomy and the study of dark matter, his research and writing currently focus on the transformative potential of the insights of modern science and their integration into personal experience and everyday life. His writing and research have appeared in a wide variety of popular and professional publications spanning several disciplines, from observational astronomy to transpersonal psychology and indigenous shamanism. He lives in Westport, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 286 pages
• Publisher: New Page Books (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601630778
• ISBN-13: 978-1601630773
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #856,568 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Group of Philosophical Interviews March 22, 2010

By S. L. Mayer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Cosmic Conversations is an exciting book featuring interviews of a number of prominent authors and leading professional thinkers of creative consciousness and the nature of the universe. It was written in 2009 and begins with scientific findings, continues with spirituality and ends with modern cultural concepts on emerging consciousness in our world and universe today. I found this incredibly interesting as well as challenging to consider the variety of topics in Martin's interviews.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Are we the universe? September 14, 2010

By Andreas Matsson

Format:Paperback

Cosmic conversations explores cosmos from different perspectives. Author and astronomer Stephan Martin interviews scientists, spiritual practitioners and other authors, speakers, thinkers etc. This format invites us as readers to further explore any of the people interviewed that we personally find to have particularly enlightening ideas. The book is divided into three parts where part 1 is called "The view from science", part 2 "The view from spirit" and part 3 "The view from culture". Central topics discussed include the idea that science and spirituality is coming toghether, the fundamental interconnectedness of all things and the nature of the universe as purposeful evolution

The book is full of various ideas and perspectives of the universe, there should be something in here for everyone. The fact that the book is transcribed from dialogue interrupts the flow of reading in some parts. It doesn't have the same streamlining purely written books may have, but this is to be expected given the format and doesn't take away anything of the books ability to adress topic or my overall enjoyment of reading it.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars We are Universe December 1, 2009

By Christopher Augustin

Format:Paperback

Presented as a collection of interviews from three very distinct perspectives, Cosmic Conversations explored the universe in both outer space and our inner selves. It's fairly easy to identify one interpretation of our lives and the universe as a whole when so many differing viewpoints are offered. I personally connected with a Native American understanding of life and it's place in the cosmos. You don't need to be a physicist to appreciate the scientific assessments nor be a spiritual leader to understand the mystic journeys explored in this book. We are Universe. What does that mean? You'll have to read the book to find out!