How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe

I found the relationship of consciousness to the universe intriguing. But I found his criticism of string theory as speculative somewhat inconsistent, given that this theory is also speculative. I do think that consciousness is one of those mysteries that is tied up with other aspects of the universe, but I don't necessarily accept that the rest of the universe exists only as probabilities until perceived by a conscious entity. I find research into near-death experiences also very intriguing, and I was somewhat surprised that no reference was made to that research here. Still, this is a good read, and I recommend it.

Unless I read this book wrong, Lanza appears to be using the premise that perception is relative to say that existence doesn't exist except in our consciousness. While I strongly agree with the premise, I don't see how the conclusion follows. If a tree falls in the woods, just because we aren't around to translate the changes in air pressure into sound doesn't mean that the tree didn't create these changes in air pressure, and it definitely doesn't mean that the tree doesn't exist. I enjoyed learning about the author's life, but I don't enjoy that he apparently ignored bodies of research from both perception and consciousness studies. He answers "consciousness" without going in to what that might be. Anyhow, kudos for challenging classical physics with quantum mechanics, but that new age boat left many years ago, making this book nothing new.

I'm no quantum physicist but think Lanza has shared what is a complicated reality check on "reality" in the simplest way. It makes sense to me, much more sense than any of the theories or hypothesis of the beginning of everything and our place in it that I've ever heard. If you stop, breathe and think about his assertion, it's not such a big step to take to switch things around and say? "Yeah I get it and it just makes sense." Thank you Robert, life changing.

Some of it was good, however, the same book could have been a lot shorter with less filler superfluous text. Although their was an outline of the 7ish points of biocentrism I found any in depth discussion of the meaning missing.

The author is not trying to change your mind about anything. He is simply stating his theory and I find it interesting. It is the type of book that I will re-read soon because I have to digest what he is saying. I will see more when I read again. If you like to look at life differently, this book would be for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed this perspective of life and the universe.i loved the personal inclusions within the theories. It has caused me to read and listen to other books that deal with consciousness . It has left me with many questions regarding this . The fun is the exploration these questions have created.

Dr. Lanza's philosophy of the nature of the universe is fascinating. He supports his ideas using quantum based science but doesn't go quite far enough in answering some of the glaring questions associated with his ideas. What he does put forth entices the reader to reconsider their view of the world by considering reality within rather from outside the world of our own consciousness. Some concepts are difficult to wrap the mind around but force one to actively read and ponder his conclusions. What it still does not answer for me is the question of WHY am I ME.

Mind blowing. This book backs up in science what intuition has been saying to me for decades. The concept it presents is hard to swallow but forces you to think about this universe and consciousness differently. It's also well written.

How God works is made plausible in this book, though the author would deny that was his intent. I've personally been thinking along these lines for 10 years and the authors have helped me as a non-physicist, though science guy, put words and images to my own thoughts.

This book arrived promptly and as advertised. I have not finished reading it, but I question the author's credentials for arriving at his conclusions especially when they are stated so emphatically. I would be happier if he had said, How life and consciousness may be keys to... Having said that, I will add that the book is accessible to non-scientists.

Quantum physics has shown through countless experiments that particles are affected by consciousness. In fact, they really only come into existence when observed. Science has denied or ignored consciousness, claiming it arises out of matter and is just along for the ride. Buddhism claims quite the reverse: the universe arises out of consciousness. The author, Robert Lanza, agrees.

Inevitably science will need to yield to this point of view. Lanza, it seems to me, is fighting a rear guard action. He is attempting to strike a compromise. But the war will soon be won by consciousness with no need for compromise. Indeed, quantum physics itself and all biological creatures - the key players in Lanza's narrative - are illusory, if consciousness creates the universe.

For the many people who are stuck in a Newtonian world of tiny billiard balls, this book is a wonderful first step in the direction of the frightening but ultimately liberating truth. That fact that a highly regarded scientist wrote it may give even scientists pause.

Extremely interesting book! How do you merge George Berkeleys idealism (does a tree falling in a forest makes a noise if you are not there: answer: not), with stem cell research, and quantum physics, well, he does it very well. Fascinating.

Finally we are moving away further from the Einsteins, Darwins and Hawkings! I think this approach, biocentrism, is preparing us for future knowledge developments. The thing is however, that it will probably take another 30 years before our kids are thaught the new knowledge in schools. The world is a slow moving animal. The book is absolutely recommended for all of us open minded people. If you are stuck in a special man made religion you will have some problems though.

Outstanding book. Can be difficult at times to understand his scientific thought process, but he does reel it in at times for the lay person. Very fascinating how he ties in Quantum Physics with consciousness.

What is ultimate reality? Is Quantum Theory of any help? The authors extend some of the results of subatomic physics to our macro-reality world with surprising results. The book is solid science, careful thought and pure speculation. I am about to read it again. Maybe consciousness really Is the unifying quantity in the universe.

The best collection of scientific knowledge dedicated to prove that the universe is in us, not the other way around. Still, like my mother says: the worst blindness belongs to the one who doesn't want to see.

This book is amazing. It "tells" the story most of us, who have given any thought to the " how"of the way life, as a conscious being, operates intuitively understand it. It provides a truth you can feel in your gut and soul.

I've thought about stuff like this my whole life. The world "out there" is just NOT what you think it is. The equipment you dream with when you sleep is the same stuff with which you experience your "life". Neither "experience" is "real". Sorry for all the quotation marks. What you know is not necessarily right. You do not exist the way you think you do. If you have read or are reading this book you have stumbled on to something very profound.

The first chapter contains some of the most important ideas you will ever know. Read this book carefully.

Mere words are not enough to describe just how...magnificent YOU are!

There are some who will scoff at these ideas. Do your own research. Get "The Seth Material" by Jane Roberts for a simple explanation of how you are...put together.

Some notable scientists have noted recently that we may exist in a simulation. Indeed we do! WE are the simulators! Other scientists say there is "Dark matter" and "Dark Energy". Of course there is! This is un-realized "stuff" that an "observer" hasn't been "aware" of! Once again forgive the quotes...mere words...

Here is a mind bender: The Hubble Space Telescope can see "infant" galaxies so far away [13.5 billion light years] that they must have formed soon after the "Big Bang" This means the light from those objects is 13.5 billion years old. The "speed limit" for light is 186,000 miles per second. Mere matter CANNOT go that fast! HOW did those objects get so far away if they can't move at the speed of light? Are we looking at the back of our heads? Is the universe a circle ? Just where the heck are we anyway? What is light? What is matter? What is speed? What is distance? What is space? See? ALL of these IDEAS are YOURS! They exist nowhere else! YOUR ideas are unique. No one else has them! YOUR existence is yours alone!

Water is not "wet". Our experience of it is "wet". Oxygen and Hydrogen are as dry as popcorn! There are many things like this. There is no time and there is no space...

I was very interested in this topic. Lanza did a good job incorporating storytelling instead of just making this a physics book. It was very well written, and the topic was quite intriguing. I only gave it four stars because some points lost me in terms of continuity. It all comes together at the end, but I don't like reading a book like this and feeling as if I missed something. Regardless, if you're interested in this, get it.

This is a fascinating book. I really loved reading it and recommend it to you. I do have to admit however, I was left at the end unsure if I had just read something brilliant or something utterly manufactured. I will leave that decision up to you.

Although it is well written, I feel there is more to know about biocentrism than the authors conveyed – much more. Perhaps, over eager editing left revealing material on the cutting room floor, maybe there is simply more information than is convenient for a short volume meant for the lay public. Whatever the reason, I plan to read it a second time and give it another review knowing what to expect.

Absolutely interesting, thoughtful and a reading must. However, there are entire chapters dedicated to maudlin reminiscences of personal memories which are totally out of place. Incomprenhible how the editors allowed that material to be included in this extraordinary book.

This book was definitely very eye opening for me. I had never seriously considered the author's theory but he makes a very persuasive case. Although the theory may seem a bit strange at first, it makes complete sense by the end of the book.

The old materialistic and atomistic view in science is urged to review it's paradigms; consciousness and biocentrism is a great way to start. Well written, easy to read and with a fresh approach you will enjoy.

Robert Lanza might have just layed out the groundwork for some of the principles behind what we call reality. A mesmerizing text, written in layman's terms. There very few books that I tell myself I have to read more than once...this is one of those books. If you're interesting in what human consciousness means, this is a theory that makes total sense.

This is a jewel of knowledge. Giving the most complete information to date of how to view the system of the world and beyond. Although Einstein was important, it is good to see further thinking beyond and references from the new Genius of today.

If you have a scientific background, this is a terrible book. The author spends more time talking about his childhood than actually defining biocentrism. Couldn't finish it, waste of time and it feels fake.

This is a jewel of knowledge. Giving the most complete information to date of how to view the system of the world and beyond. Although Einstein was important, it is good to see further thinking beyond and references from the new Genius of today.

If you have a scientific background, this is a terrible book. The author spends more time talking about his childhood than actually defining biocentrism. Couldn't finish it, waste of time and it feels fake.

For me--a science educator and former English professor--this was a "popular" masterpiece. Robert Lanza has earned his spurs in science. It is refreshing for somewhat like him to say where science falls short in telling educated people what they really want to know and where to look elsewhere.

One of the finest & best current books I have read on the subject of human "consciousness." Lanza is a genius of first magnitude. The only tools you will need to appreciate this book as a reader is an open mind, average intelligence and the ability to "think for yourself." When they write the list of this Century's most important books, you can bet the farm this title will be near the top.

This is not a particularly easy read, but found ti to be thoroughly digestible, especially if one is seeking an holistic way of understanding the world we live in. I lent my copy to my niece who is taking courses in the biological sciences.

This book condensed a theory I've been developing regarding space, time, thought and emotion, and presented them in a new way that has enhanced my ability to explain and understand, and amplify my assertions. While they are still incomplete, I am no longer stuck with no direction of thought exploration.

I think I understand why he included so much personal emotion - this is implied by quantum mechanics.
However, I don't think that's sufficiently explained in this book, and it made the personal touch jarring.

Nonetheless, any time a book enhances my fundamental understanding of the world, there can only be a 5-star rating.

I've been meaning to leave a review for this book for a few weeks now.
That's why it's so lacking in information overall.
I'll add to this eventually I hope.