The Tao of Physics [Paperback]

Fritjof Capra (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1985

The Tao of Physics, Capra's first book, challenges much of conventional wisdom by demonstrating striking parallels between ancient mystical traditions and the discoveries of 20th century physics.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Flamingo; Reissue edition (1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055326379X
• ISBN-13: 978-0006540236
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #990,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking and Inspirational Classic, October 19, 2008

By 

Giant Panda (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tao of Physics (Paperback)

This is one of the most wonderful books relating modern science to Eastern philosophical traditions. I have always combined an interest in physics as well as an interest in eastern philosophies, so it was natural that I get attracted to this book. I have read the second edition nearly 15 years ago, and can certify that this book delivers what it promises. Recently it has become a phenomenon to see âaeTao of â¦â or âaeZen of â¦â books that are really deficient in many respects: some books know little about the Eastern philosophies they claim to compare to, others know little about the Western science, and yet others fail to point to more than a flimsy relationship. It appears âaeTao of somethingâ has become a major marketing scheme and not much more.

âaeThe Tao of Physicsâ however is free from those weaknesses. In fact, it is in a class of its own â" possibly one of the most thought-provoking and inspirational texts in the modern world. Written by a world-class Indian physicist, this book exhibits the deep understanding of its author into the myriad complexities of modern physics. The beauty of it all is that some of the most complex ideas are explained in very simple language that even a high school student can understand: quantum mechanics, the uncertainty principle, particle physics, string theory, symmetries, etc.

This strength in physical understanding does not weaken the depth of perception regarding Eastern mysticism. Au contraire, the second part of the book, describing Eastern philosophy, is a tour de force of the various branches of Eastern thought: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, etc. Topics like the I-Ching, the mythology of the Rig Veda, the Upanishads, and the Tao Te Ching are introduced in very clear language aimed at capturing a Western audience.

The third and largest part of the book is devoted to drawing parallels between the two traditions: the Western scientific and the Eastern philosophical. Of course, at this stage of human development one cannot reach certainties about such thing, and the discourse is restricted to pointing out the parallels and illustrating the convergence of thought. More questions are raised than are actually answered, which is perhaps the signature of a really good book. Since reading it I have become fascinated with modern physics and pursued a science education. My interest in Eastern religions has also been enhanced. Currently I am in the process of re-reading this gem. I definitely recommend it to everyone seeking substance in âaeTao of â¦â books.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed My View of Particle Physics, April 4, 2010

By 

Matthew Stonecipher Gilmer (Baton Rouge, LA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tao of Physics (Flamingo) (Paperback)

I am physics undergrad and had been intrigued and confused with the realities of quantum mechanics. Probabilities weren't enough for me, I thought there must be something else that determines observational outcomes. The thought had crossed my mind but reading this book confirmed it for me. The universe is conscious, human consciousness is a quantum phenomenon. As a race we have enormous power and responsibility over our world. Reading this book provided me with a new way of looking at physics and science in general, and an optimistic expectation for the future of our race that we can leave behind our outdated and unhealthy ideals.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Metaphysics meets high energy physics, March 1, 2009

By 

Nova137 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tao of Physics (Flamingo) (Paperback)

Meditation and Metaphysics meet the West, redone in the form of High Energy Physics and what it means when the observer collapses the nondual into duality.

You will understand your mind, eventually if you read this book now and search for its source the rest of your life. You will become nondual as you absorb the All, reinterpret it in a quantum Universe of modern physics and look inside yourself to see it was all there the whole time.

If you want to understand where quantum physics and the eight fold path has taken us, read this book. If you want to understand yourself as Self, read this book. You may not get it the first time or the second (not reading, but encounters with Self), but eventually if you stick with it and keep searching and asking questions (only questions that will come to you from reading a book like this, learning its meaning inside you and meditating to calm and discipline the mind), then one day you will wake up Enlightened.