Mind Over Matter (illustrated)
📘 About This Book
Is it possible to 'send' thoughts into someone else's brain? Can random number generators predict future events? Why does a placebo work like a drug? Is there a collective consciousness? Even in this age of neurological discovery, the mind is still largely uncharted territory. What if there is more to the power of thought than we have yet grasped? This enthralling introduction takes in an extraordinary breadth of topics, with an even-handed approach, sifting fact from fantasy - and fraud. Encompassing the ideas of the greatest minds in Western intellectual and scientific history - Aristotle, Descartes, Newton, Einstein and more - it ventures far beyond the confines of that tradition to address Eastern thought and other ways of knowing, and exploring some of the enigmas that might conceivably be unlocked in the near future. (Unillustrated edition for e-readers) "A smart, dynamic, approachable exploration - offering a rare blend of compelling narrative and responsible research on the connections between mind and matter." Marilyn Schlitz, President and CEO, IONS
📖 Summary
Michael Kerrigan’s 2011 science title, Mind Over Matter (illustrated), plunges readers into the profound and deeply mysterious territory of human consciousness. Spanning 369 pages, this enthralling introduction navigates a breathtaking breadth of topics with a remarkably even-handed approach, expertly sifting hard scientific fact from fantasy and historical fraud. Even in our modern age of advanced neurological discovery, the mind remains largely uncharted territory, raising provocative questions that challenge our rigid materialist assumptions about reality. The book opens by probing some of the most fascinating anomalies of human perception and cognitive influence. It asks whether it is truly possible to transmit thoughts directly into someone else's brain, investigates whether random number generators can statistically predict future events before they happen, and questions why a simple placebo can manifest physiological healing just like an actual pharmaceutical drug. Furthermore, it touches upon the intriguing concept of a collective consciousness, examining whether individual minds might be connected in ways that orthodox science has yet to fully comprehend or measure. To contextualize these sweeping questions, Kerrigan looks far beyond contemporary laboratory settings, encompassing the grand ideas of the greatest minds in Western intellectual and scientific history. He traces how luminaries like Aristotle, Descartes, Newton, and Einstein wrestled with the fundamental nature of reality, perception, and consciousness. However, the book does not confine itself strictly to the Western tradition. It ventures outward to address Eastern philosophies and alternative ways of knowing, bridging the gap between empirical science and esoteric traditions. Throughout the illustrated volume, the author maintains a critical yet open-minded perspective. He refuses to sensationalize the unexplained, yet he equally refuses to dismiss anomalies simply because they do not easily fit into existing paradigms. By exploring these enduring enigmas, Mind Over Matter invites readers to reconsider the true potential of thought. It challenges us to ask whether there is significantly more to the power of the human mind than science has currently grasped, making it a captivating intellectual journey for anyone curious about the ultimate frontiers of human awareness.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Presents an even-handed approach that separates fact from fantasy and fraud
Covers an extraordinary breadth of fascinating and unusual topics
Integrates both Western intellectual history and Eastern philosophical traditions
Engagingly illustrated throughout its 369 pages
⚠️ Cons
May not satisfy readers looking for definitive proof of paranormal phenomena
Broad scope means some complex topics are introduced rather than deeply exhausted
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Mind Over Matter? +
The book was written by Michael Kerrigan.
When was this illustrated edition published? +
It was published in 2011.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book spans 369 pages.
What genres does the book fall under? +
It is primarily classified under science.
Does the book only focus on Western science? +
No, it also encompasses Eastern thought and alternative ways of knowing alongside Western traditions.
