Book Reviewed: Beyond Biocentrism: Rethinking Time, Space, Consciousness, and the Illusion of Death, by Robert Lanza and Bob Beerman

Biocentrism is a way of defining the nature of physical reality

Biocentrism is a concept that suggests the consciousness creates the universe and not the cosmos creating life and consciousness. Consequently life (biology) is primal to understanding physical reality that is normally described by the laws of physics operating in space and time. This idea is not new, in fact Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism proposed this simple concept through the sacred scriptures of Upanishads and Brahma-sutras that existed in in the Hindu literature since sixth century B.C.E. In fact the authors briefly discuss Vedanta but do not elaborate to any significant length. The Buddhist doctrine also believes in the ultimate reality as being the “Pure Consciousness.”

The idea that consciousness creates reality is also a unique feature of quantum physics. What we observe in quantum physics experiments is dependent on the observer and it involves our consciousness. If we do not observe, quantum physics states that matter is suspended in an undetermined state of probability and all possible realities are possible. Besides there is no such thing as past or future according to the laws of physics, since laws are equally applicable, going from past to future or future to past. Both relativistic physics ad quantum physics is unequivocal about this reality.

The authors observe that the consciousness and cosmos are one and the same because there is no universe without perception. In this life-centered view, space is created by mind’ algorithms, and the cosmos is outside of time and there is no death or birth, and seeing space is a word that symbolizes nothing meaningful. They conclude that spacetime and the cosmos is infinite. But here is the real problem; infinity is a concept, a mathematical abstraction and it is different from infinity in physics or cosmology. The space and time are not infinite and infinity cannot exist in reality. Physicists have struggled to marry quantum mechanics with classical gravity for decades, and they run into trouble because the calculations yield infinity, which according to physics and reality is a nonsensical result. In quantum mechanics, space and time is a unified concept as four-dimensional background where matter dances in its presence to create gravity and the classical reality. Some physicists, who think outside the “box,” suggest that space is real and time is an illusion; and others argue that time is real and space is an illusion.

I have rated two stars since the authors have not proposed anything new in this book. Most of these ideas are already discussed in their 2010 book published under the title, “Biocentrism: How life and consciousness are the keys to the understanding of the universe.” Secondly the idea being proposed that the universe and spacetime are infinite is unreal and not possible in any form of realty. Cosmology proposes that there are 10100 universes, but that number is not infinite, it is just large. Finally this book is purported to discuss the concept of death, the role of plant consciousness, and if machines becomes conscious. But it does not go into any depth but makes few observations and draws conclusions. The author also argues that death does not exist, but do not explain what exactly does death means to the body, and if there is a soul that transmigrates upon death. Another misleading fact is that the authors refer to mind instead consciousness; according many neurobiologists they are not the same.

Movie Reviewed: One Man's Journey (1933), starring Lionel Barrymore and May Robson

Hiking through the chaos: One man’s experience in life

Lionel Barrymore plays Dr. Eli Watt, a widower in this RKO classic that also casts May Robson, Dorothy Jordan and Joel McCrea. In this story of an idealized man who plays a healer of mind and body for the people in a small town where he grew up. Giving up his practice in New York City, he dedicates himself in taking good care of his patients, and taking precautionary measures to prevent outburst of diseases in the small town. He is also very caring, consoling and comforting to those who need guidance, despite the fact many of them are rude and ungrateful. It didn’t matter to him if people didn’t pay for his medical services. This is an uplifting testimonial to the human capacity for self-sacrifice and nobility. The movie received wide acclaim from the audience and film critics when it was released in 1933. The film is dominated by the fine performance of Lionel Barrymore, and this is reminiscent of another great performance of similar character in the movie “You can’t take it with you.” Barrymore is strongly supported by May Robson and other supporting cast. The story is based on the work of Katharine Havilland-Taylor. Both Lionel Barrymore and May Robson were borrowed from MGM Studios by RKO Studios for this project directed by John S. Robertson.

Book Reviewed: Women in Tech: Take Your Career to the Next Level with Practical Advice and Inspiring Stories, by Tarah Wheeler Van Vlack

Written for women aspiring to succeed in business and technology (three stars)

In kitchens, living rooms, garages, labs, and basements, women have invented and discovered things. They have faced the challenges of business and technology and they have made our lives simpler and better. Their creations are inspiring and the contributions are enduring. They overcame obstacles to achieve success, but what inspired these women and just how did they turn their ideas into realities? Powerful personal stories depict the varied roads traveled and challenges met by these insightful leaders.

Part of this book is written for inspiration and the rest of it deals with strategic career advice. Over the last few years, I have come across several books in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields that are helpful for a woman to achieve fulfilling careers. In this book, there are several contributors narrating their success stories, and I found the article of Keren Elazari (a cybersecurity expert), and Katie Cunningham (Python educator and developer) interesting. Although most the articles in this book are well intended to help other women in business and technology, I found some of the essays lack focus and not well organized. It fails to keep the readers engaged.

The Irish in Us (1935), starring Pat O’Brien and James Cagney

A sentimental blarney

This is a sentimental blarney (1935) about an Irish widow and her three adult sons who still live with her! The film casts well known Irish actors of the time; James Cagney and Pat O’Brien, who in real life were very good friends. Mary Gordon with her authentic Irish accent plays a quintessential mother. The story offered little surprise and no meaningful plot.

Work-shy Cagney feuds with his elder brother (O’Brien) over the love of a girl (Olivia De Havilland). Cagney accepts the job of a fight promoter and then steps into the ring himself when his boxer is too drunk before a prize fight. He struggles during the fight but ultimately wins and wins the love of his brother and the girl. Earl Baldwin wrote the screenplay from the story of Frank Orsatti, and it was directed by Lloyd Bacon.

Movie Reviewed: A Bill of Divorcement (1932), starring John Barrymore and Katharine Hepburn

A family drama starring John Barrymore and Katherine Hepburn

This is a memorable movie for Katharine Hepburn’s screen debut. With John Barrymore as her father confined to a mental institution for 25 years, he finally escapes from the facility on the day his wife (Billie Burke) divorces him. He appears in his house unannounced stunning his daughter. The movie is dominated by the brilliant handling of the story by director George Cukor, and Barrymore’s superb performance. The brilliance of young Hepburn in her first challenging role is flawlessly expressed in this 1932 pre-code film. With her realization that insanity runs in the family, she makes painful choice of breaking up with her fiancée and remains to be single and take care of her father, and persuade her mother to re-marry her new man and move on with her life. The RKO Studios had serious reservations if the newcomer, Katharine Hepburn would be the right person for this important project. She proved them wrong and David Selznick took the credit of discovering a great talent in Hollywood!

The story is based on a play written by Clemence Dane after a law was passed in Britain in the 1920s that allowed insanity as grounds for divorce. The film begins on Christmas Eve with dancing and Christmas carols. This is a great movie and it is recommended to all fans interested in Hollywood’s golden era.