The Everything Answer Book

February 13, 2017
Goswami (Quantum Economics), a retired physicist, offers a radical but sketchily drawn account of quantum physics’ impact on all aspects of human experience in this work of speculative science. Based on the view that consciousness, not matter, is the basis of all being, he argues that the world we inhabit is only one actualized collapse of all possibilities. Central to his claims is the quantum theory stipulating that proximity is not required for reaction, and therefore “contact” can occur through more subtle means than matter. From this scaffolding, Goswami ruminates on causality that does not arise from material objects, the difference between minds and consciousness, what karma and reincarnation mean, how time is experienced, the role of archetypes, and many other crossings of parapsychology and his quirky brand of science. He frequently mentions that empirical research backs up his points, but is short on details and mostly points readers to his own previous works. There are interesting points and some philosophically rich discussions, but the onslaught of technical terms and lack of clear progression blunt his impact. For readers looking to add some scientific language to their new age beliefs, Goswami provides plenty. For others, the work is perhaps spread too thin and overly vague.