I just finished reading The Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot, an interesting book exploring a different way of looking at the universe and some of the happenings that can’t be explained so well by the current outlook of the universe and world. The basic notion is that all is connected, and that the material world we think of as solid and stable isn’t. He explores the work of Pibram and Bohm, physicists not content with the ‘so what?’ attitude that the Copenhagen Interpretation often leads to regarding quantum physics, and offers a ‘holographic’ way of looking. He explores Out of Body Experiences, Near Death Experiences, miracles, time travel, etc, etc.

My favourite part of the book was the way that people who have Near Death Experiences change so radically. He cites the story of a labourer who had no interest in science, reading or academic pursuits. During his NDE he had a vision of ‘total knowledge’ but could not recall this afterwards. However, various physics terms would pop into his head. One morning he blurted the word, ‘Quantum!’ Later he announced, ‘Max Planck – you’ll be hearing about him in the near future,’ but didn’t understand what he was saying. Equations and maths symbols would surface in his thoughts. He didn’t even know what quantum meant, or who Max Planck was, so he looked it up. Discovering he wasn’t talking bollocks, he began to read books on physics, parapsychology, metaphysics, higher consciousness, and enrolled in college to study physics.

This book explores the notion that there are things going on that we just can’t explain, not only the stranger experiences of NDEs and UFOs but even the way our minds and memory work. It leaves you with the feeling that no one really knows what the hell is going on down here…