FEBRUARY 2012 - AudioFile
Two bestselling authors—one a physician and spiritual theorist, the other a physicist—present a logical and friendly debate that addresses the meaning of life, the nature of the universe, the concept of evolution, the connections between the mind and the brain, and the question of the existence of a Creator. Each of their narrations is deliberate and distinctive. Chopra’s soothing, rich voice explores life and scientific theories from a purely spiritual mind-set. Mlodinow’s more objective tone emphasizes his scientific background. As this point-counterpoint approach explores topics essential to the core of human existence, Chopra and Mlodinow deliver comprehensive, believable, conflicting, yet deeply intelligent commentary on some of life’s greatest mysteries. B.J.P. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Library Journal
Doctor and acclaimed spiritual expert Chopra (The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes) and Caltech physicist Mlodinow (The Drunkard's Walk) have teamed up to present two sides of some of the most difficult questions facing science and spirituality. In response to ponderings like "What is life?" and "How did the universe emerge?" each writes a brief response from his own perspective. While spirituality and religion are not synonymous, Chopra well represents the panreligious spiritual point of view. Offering both respect and insight, the authors provide an excellent summary of contemporary thought on issues of science and religion, helping to expand the discussion in new directions. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers interested in how scientific and spiritual worldviews differ and concur and for those who want an overview of both. [See Prepub Alert, 4/25/11.]—Eric D. Albright, Tufts Univ. Lib., Boston
FEBRUARY 2012 - AudioFile
Two bestselling authors—one a physician and spiritual theorist, the other a physicist—present a logical and friendly debate that addresses the meaning of life, the nature of the universe, the concept of evolution, the connections between the mind and the brain, and the question of the existence of a Creator. Each of their narrations is deliberate and distinctive. Chopra’s soothing, rich voice explores life and scientific theories from a purely spiritual mind-set. Mlodinow’s more objective tone emphasizes his scientific background. As this point-counterpoint approach explores topics essential to the core of human existence, Chopra and Mlodinow deliver comprehensive, believable, conflicting, yet deeply intelligent commentary on some of life’s greatest mysteries. B.J.P. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
An alternatingly enlightening and frustrating dialogue between one of the world's greatest physicists and one of its greatest metaphysicists.
What is life? Is the universe conscious? What is the connection between mind and brain? Is God an illusion? These are some of the questions pondered and debated by Mlodinow (Theoretical Physics/CalTech,The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives, 2008,etc.) and Chopra (Muhammad, 2010, etc.), who alternate writing short essays and responses. Choprais known for his self-help books and his user-friendly, Eastern-lite philosophy, and he posits that scientists, with their materialist methods and concerns, have blinded themselves to the deeper realities of a universe infused with love and consciousness. He sees science as a cudgel used to beat spirituality into the dust. Mlodinow attempts, at first patiently but with increasing exasperation, to explain what science is and what it is meant to accomplish. He repeatedly stresses that "wish fulfillment should not shape our worldview." His rationality and sardonic wit get the better of Chopra at nearly every turn; the latter exhibits occasional flashes of inspiration but evinces throughout a willful ignorance of the scientific method and a penchant for using words like "quantum" or "relativity" merely as meaningless props to buttress his fuzzy, deliberately vague spirituality. Though some readers may allow themselves to be convinced by his mantra that everything will be all right no matter what because the universe loves us, he fails to present a case for why science should unquestioningly accept his insights.
A useful primer on the virtues of clear thinking, but somewhat lacking in substance.
