Power vs. Force (Author's Official Revised Edition 2012): The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior [Paperback]

David R. Hawkins M.D. Ph.D (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2012 | ISBN-10: 0964326116 | ISBN-13: 978-0964326118 | Edition: 1st

This Author's Official Revised Edition includes several crucial updates since the original publication, including a more thorough explanation of the muscle-testing technique as well as changes to the text made by Dr. Hawkins as he read the book for an audio recording in 2006. David R. Hawkins details how anyone may resolve the most crucial of all human dilemmas: how to instantly determine the truth or falsehood of any statement or supposed fact. Dr. Hawkins, who worked as a "healing psychiatrist" during his long and distinguished career, uses theoretical concepts from particle physics, nonlinear dynamics, and chaos theory to support his study of human behavior. This is a fascinating work that will intrigue readers from all walks of life!

Editorial Reviews

From Scientific American

I especially appreciate [the] research and presentation on the attractor patterns of business....

From The New Yorker

[A] beautiful gift of writing....[You] spread joy, love and compassion through what you write. The fruit of these three is peace, as you know....

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Product Details

• Paperback: 412 pages
• Publisher: Veritas Publishing; 1st edition (May 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964326116
• ISBN-13: 978-0964326118
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5.3 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,704 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Medical Books > Psychology > Physiological Aspects
  • #61 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > New Thought
  • #75 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Behavioral Sciences > Cognitive Psychology

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 101 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ground Breaking Work - A Milestone For Human Consciousness. May 24, 2000

By Bruce Boatner

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The new science of kinesiology ushered in a powerful diagnostic tool called "muscle testing". (Muscle testing is a simple procedure for testing strong/weak responses, such as that of an outstretched arm, in response to questioning). Despite the revolutionary nature of these discoveries, most people are willing to rationalize that something other than the "conscious mind" is at play, something whose function it is to oversee the well-being of the individual and manage the body's myriad complex subsystems. It could then be extrapolated that this benign functionality - "subconscious mind", "field" or whatever - would be willing to communicate with the "outside world" when matters regarding the well-being of its charge were concerned.

Dr. Hawkins, however, has taken a quantum leap with the idea of muscle testing. Rather than simply regarding the field or subconscious mind as the governing mechanism of the individual's body, he applied muscle testing in the context of traditional metaphysical paradigms stating that all things are connected, that all events, actions, thoughts and emotions are written into the unlimited Database of Consciousness, and that as participants in this universe, we all have access to that Database. Thus through muscle testing we have the ability to get the answer to any question we can formulate (except pertaining to the future, which has not yet been written into the record). The implications of this are staggering. Did O.J. do it? Is the government telling the truth about thus-and-such? We now have the means for direct knowledge.

Most authors would be content to base an entire book solely on these revelations, but surprisingly this is merely the groundwork laid out by Dr.... Hawkins for the rest of the book! Based on thousands of studies using these methods, striving for 100% repeatability on the tests, he explains many aspects of human experience including a Spectrum of Consciousness. Based on a logarithmic scale of 1 to 1000, all ideas, emotions, concepts, thoughts, works of art, literature and science, resonate at some level. Above the level of 200 these energies are considered nurturing, positive and "good" (Power). Below 200 are energies that are destructive, negative and "evil" (Force).

Dr. Hawkins explores how "attractor" energies (mathematics from chaos theory) influence art, science, medicine and sports and examines the specific mechanisms leading to health and disease. He examines the quality of our institutions and discusses the nature of Consciousness and the path to enlightenment. All concepts are presented with exceptional clarity and lucidity, without any sign of pedantry. Finally, as the title of the book suggests, one may attain a quantitative understanding of the difference between Power and Force. (Examine the handling of the Elian Gonzales case based on these criteria).

This book is an absolute must for anyone searching for a better understanding of "how reality works". And so we thank those who calibrate high on the Scale Of Consciousness, who lead the rest of us forward, kicking and screaming, on the path of enlightenment... Read more ›

46 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I endorse this book. July 29, 2003

By G. Struve

Format:Paperback

I'll start by responding to other reviewers who've stated that they have a hard time getting the test to work. First, remember that both the testor and the subject need to calibrate over 200 in order for the test to work. They should be in a quiet place without much background noise and out of the view of others. The testee must not feel like what they are doing is "wierd." Second, remember that the motivation behind the question must calibrate over 200 as well. The test does not work 100% of the time for 100% of people.

That said, I am most grateful for Hawkins' books. A scale of conciousness to me just makes so much sense. Why is the world the way it is? I've got a four year degree in theology and half a masters in psych, but still no clue. Hawkins' is the first system I've come accross that seems to offer a plausable explanation as to the nature of reality.

What sells me on hawkins is not necessarily the Kinesiological method, but rather comparing the conclusions he derives with the writings of other great historical mystics. The idea that human beings coexist within a unified field of conciousness is not new. Rather, what is new is Hawkins' unique map of this field of conciousness. Reading Buddhist texts it always seemed confusing to me that those folks would become enlightened when they heard a tree branch break, when they looked at a lotus blossom, or when their master dunked them in a river. The map of conciousness laid out in power vs. force allowed me to put these awakenings into context. In doing so I became better able to view myself as a spiritual being in the midst of a long spiritual journey.

Previous to reading the book, there was always the question for me "Do i want to want to do this for 50 years and maybe fail?... What if I try really hard and don't make the cut? What if I work that hard and never attain enlightenment? What will the point have been?" Hawkins scale helped me understand that humanity benifits an increase in concoiusness in any human being of any amount. Thus, if I work toward enlightenment, but end up settling for salvation, I'll still have done some good in the process. :-). At least I can be pretty sure it's not a waste of time.

I would encourage anyone waffling on buying the book to give it chance. The time will not be wasted. Read more ›

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of the best February 17, 2000

By Jill Drinkwater

Format:Paperback

This book is one of finest I have read in my lifetime. It is a gift to anyone who reads it. The basic premise is that any organization, group, individual has an energy that can determine its ability to prosper or destroy itself. I have found this to be true throughout my life. The negative traits that result in this eventual destruction are clearly stated. If any entity is moving in a negative direction it gives you clear ways of knowing. Thank you Dr. Hawkins. Perhaps the most moving part of the book for me was the last chapter that beautifully described the author's path.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Scientific Paradigm Shift April 11, 2000

By E. C. Ebert Jr.

Format:Paperback

Dr. Hawkins has detailed the methods by which any individual, or group, may query God Mind and receive direct answers. The only difficulty with employing the kinesiologic "arm" testing method that he advocates is the extreme necessity of framing all questions in the positive, and the receiving of binary "answers" ... as in yes/no. This means that one must construct a decision tree to follow.

Separately, one "gets" exactly, absolutely exactly, what one "asks". Unless extraordinary care, along with precise linguistics are used in formulating the questions (actually a series of positive statements) one will easily misunderstand the answers, or become very confused.

Equally as important, Dr. Hawkins has succinctly outlined the fundamental energy nature of manifest reality ... the stuff of everyday moment-to-moment life. His Map of Consciousness is an outstanding contribution to the understanding of individual life circumstances and further, where one must begin looking for potential solutions.

The whole notion of an individual's summation of personal beliefs, whether consciously held or not, being reflected by his/her overall level of consciousness as outlined by the Map of Consciousness is unique ... and extraordinarily accurate. The consequences of beliefs, and their subsequent expression as thoughts and actions result in the creation and maintainence of virtually every human disease, and psychological disturbance recognized by conventional medicine.

To suddenly become aware that "out there" ain't kickin' my butt, or that my disease sneaked up and glommed on to me uninvitedly ... but I really have "invited" it to myself is a genuine revelation! Hawkins' low key message seems to be wake up ...... you ARE cause in the matter of your life and its circumstances. Once understood, one now has the clear opportunity to become healthy, wealthy and happy. Read more ›