Quantum Psychology: How Brain Software Programs You and Your World Reviews

• And the definition of "is" is?

  
  By A1N3263RSMYG87 on 2001-05-01
  Maybe this is what Clinton was referring to in his infamous linguistic/legal moment before the Star Inquisition. All joking aside, this book is a MUST read for anyone wanting to start getting rid of the semantic spooks in their psyche. This undefinable book of wisdom that weaves a coherent thesis out of such diverse topics as semantics, psychology, physics, model agnosticism and subtle humor makes clear better than anything out there just how much our perceptions and behavior are controlled/influenced by embedded language biases. Just learning to write in e-prime (english without the word "is") makes the book a worthwhile experience. Quantum Psychology opened me to a whole new way of thinking and perceiving, and that is something I can say but very few other books. I truly had no idea the robotizing effect language has on our behavior and perceptions--its not a discovery you can be "told"--you must experience it through the exercises in this book. You owe it to yourself to check this one out.
  
  

• Do us All a Favor and Read This Book

  
  By A1TGO5OUZMJDCL on 2004-07-18
  Three important words: "read this book." Three much more important words: "Do the exercises." Some readers may have already encountered the main principles of this work, either in other books by RAW or by studying general-semantics; I still think it a valuable epitome of some very useful ideas. If nothing else, I think it would reduce the number of Internet arguments that start with "As you could plainly see if you had simply READ what I WROTE ..." which would certainly rank as an improvement in MY world.

  I approach anything with "Quantum" in the title with a skeptical eye, as I feel the current fashion for explaining everything from ghosts to the impossibility of artificial intelligence by reference to quantum uncertainty, quantum coupling, etc., could use either a strong dose of real physics or just a good long rest. On the other hand, many people still live in the clockwork universe of Newton or even the commonsense world of Aristotle, years after the work of Einstein, Schroedinger, Heisenberg, Goedel, "etc.," revealed the cracks in the foundations of classical and naive physics and mathematics, so anything that raises awareness of these changes in the intellectual climate will have some good effects down the line.

  I once referred to general-semantics as "21st Century Zen Epistemology," which might fit _Quantum Psychology_ as well. RAW has laid out a series of observations and a program of exercises that can, quite simply, make your mind work better, unless you are among the one in a scadzillion who has already completed the work.

  Please don't fool yourself on this point! Read the book anyway.
  Do the work. Do us all a favor, first of all yourself.
  
  

• Passive voice for the passive mind

  
  By A2N786KHIFCKJ8 on 2003-12-30
  As a professional physicist I found RAW's exposition comical, he proudly states that he has never studied Physics, which "is" painfully obvious to someone who has. This of course made me extremely wary of anything else he wrote as I am not able to judge the material in the same manner, but his grasp appears similarly weak and superficial. He has clearly skimmed a lot of books which may make him seem erudite to the uninformed. In fact this book is so awful I am not sure if it is meant to be a parody.
  
  I am open minded, but not so much so that my brain has fallen out. Buy Jim Baggots, "The Meaning of Quantum Theory", Feynman's "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter", Richard Dawkins' "The Selfish Gene", Carl Jung's "Man and His Symbols" or Ludwig Wittgenstien's "Philosophical Investigations", if you want a really mind expanding read. In fact read nearly anything else.
  
  

• a mostly childish little rant

  
  By A10V2Z7G84WTXF on 2004-08-29
  If one knows little of physics, of the "quantum" flavor or otherwise, reading this book is no way to start addressing such a deficiency. Why? Because neither does Wilson. (The same should be said about his knowledge of psychology.)
  
  Those who rate this book highly I can only suppose are they who have not studied enough to recognize immediately how little Wilson has to say that is either new, correct, and/or not misguided. I finished the book for no other reason than that (a) I figured it had to get better (It didn't.), and (b) I was traveling and got bored (a condition not addressed in any way by this book).
  
  That Wilson uses his book to demonstrate, with truly sickening repetition, his outright contempt for Catholics and unveiled hatred of conservatives (No doubt there are others on his list of those to be hated.) tells us everything that tolerant and open-minded people need to know about the author. Even if Wilson had the academic creditials reasonably needed to write a book such as this (He doesn't.), his bigotry alone would make clear that one should expect to find no real "science" in this rambling book. And there ain't any.
  
  

• Incorporate paradigm shifting thought into everyday life!

  
  By A16FO5TLWW3IUI on 2000-07-12
  This book is the best practical guide to derailing your ingrained neural pathways. It is rather like a 'How to guide' for paradigm shifting at will or Mindfulness training for the Western Mind. If you want to investigate the roots of perception, this is the book for you.
  
  
• One of the best books to straighten out your curves, and curve your straightness
  By A1DG5Z2NL4G5JC on 2005-07-20
  wow, this is one hell of a book. If you are familiar with Robert Anton Wilson, and have not read this book yet, you will love it. Robots, I mean humans, are programmed by our language that we use, our beliefs, and models of the universe, thus limiting us in understanding life and each other. We often tend to categorize or file everything, everyone, and every situation into certain prejudices. Aristotelian logic puts everything into yes/no, this or that, good/evil, one or the other. Wilson talks about 'maybe logic', as well as general semantics (Alfred Korzybski), dismantles hard 'science', and links quantum theory with our neurological brain patterns. This book, along with the exercises may help you break free of most conditioning, and expand to your mind to infinite possibilities of interactive perception.
  
  
• On your way to free thought (well, free-er thought anyway)
  By AOY9J6AS0WTND on 2004-08-05
  This book seems, to me, an excellent expanded followup to the concepts intitially presented in Wilsons' Prometheus Rising. In tandem, the two books really do help one to gain knowledge of the brain software that interprets the information that forms our varying tunnels of reality. The personal gains one percieves from the knowledge presented in these books will be just that, very personal, depending on ones' experience. So further explanations of the fruits contained within this work and its predecessor will be fairly useless. That being said, I highly recommend this book for the potential fruits one could reap.
  As for the review from Mike the Physicist from CA. Haha..hehe..A perfect example of the narrowness of perception about which Wilson teaches. Apparently, being a "professional physicist" could not evaluate the content on anything else but the presentation of the physics concepts. However, this is not a physics book. It is a psychology/philosophy book with proofs that reach into concepts of modern physics. And in this regard, the book succeeds perfectly. I have read the works of Neils Bohr(a physicist and primary reference for Wilson) as well as many of the books that "mike from CA" has referenced. And no where does Wilson falter in his presentation of the concepts. Nor does the book venture into concepts beyond the grasp of the laymen, thus succeeding in its mission. However, maybe failing for Mike who needed a dissertation to satisfy his professionally induced ego. geez.
  
  
• A great book-Just a peice of art
  By A22OTRZZR0EXM2 on 2001-11-26
  For the seriouse reader: this is a great contribution towards a better understanding of the human psychology. Furthermore, this book successfuly merges the worlds of nature sciences particularly physics, quantum physics and philosophy with the study of psychology. After each chapter you become a different person, by developing a much more relaxed and better ways of seeing and interacting with the surrounding and every day life challenges, yet the book stays deep in every idea it dares to present and discusses.

  For those who work on the quantum brain, neuroscience and quantum mecahnics, you would find the book a great tool towards understanding and formulating a consis look of the world around us, including ourselves. A great book, I recommend for every one to have. Just a true must have wonder!
  
  

• Wilson Repeats Himself Again! Still Lots of Fun
  By AN06B66TFE4Q5 on 2003-10-30
  After reading a majority of Robert Anton Wilson's books, I have formed the opinion that he repeats the same points over and over again through-out his work. I find that he often writes about General Semantics, UFOs, quantum physics, reality tunnels, and weird science. I also think that he revisits these topics to make the same points he has made before.

  I also think that the points he makes are well worth repeating, and further more I think that they are could be some of the most important ideas in the world today. Wilson askes us to reconsider everything we think that we know about reality, right down the our use of the word "is." As I read anyone of his books, I find myself time after time challenged to rethink how I view "reality."

  I really enjoy reading RAW's work, and this book is not an exception for me. It has been about five years since I have read a RAW book, and I am glad I have waited. Instead of complaining about Wilson covering the same territory twice I am happy to get reaquainted with his views on life the universe and everything.
  
  

• An important centerpiece of Wilson's oevre
  By ATEKKVH15HPDB on 1999-06-28
  A book entirely devoted to exploring the "model agnosticism" implicit in all of Wilson's books, yet (seems to me) largely free of the goofy leg-pulling and New Age glaze that sometimes clouds the "message" of other books such as Cosmic Trigger. This book should be required reading for every human on the planet.
  
  
• I read this in two days!
  By on 1998-06-02
  Robert Anton Wilson has masterfully given you the keys to unlocking previous thought patterns and re-encoding new programs. Sometimes technical, yet always entertaining, you will thouroughly enjoy this book as much as I did. Referring to Korzybski's Non-Aristotelian linguistics to current thoughts in quantum physics, he illustrates a new way of thinking that is conducive to greater perceptions and a broader sense of 'self'.
  
  
• Forever relevant
  By AXPIAF0FTD68S on 2001-04-18
  This book follows in the footsteps of Wilson's earlier work, _Prometheus Rising_, with an emphasis on language, psychology, and physics. It makes the intelligent or enlightened reader to smile in acknowledgement; it forces the average to change. How much depends on their ability to do so. Some of the material seems incomplete (with little attention to physics' Anthropic Principle), but in all fairness, one can only go so far before one has written several books, and Wilson certainly has. More careful and insightful than _Prometheus Rising_, it offers fans of Wilson his best work, and serves as a great introduction to his older and newer ideas.
  
  
• one of his very best
  By on 2002-11-02
  I have serious disagreements with R. A. Wilson's whole approach, but I must give the devil his due. This is such a clear and concise presentation of his philosophical system and such an effortless display of understanding of all the most fundamental philosophical issues in the whole history of Western thought (the introduction should be required reading for every freshman humanities student) that only a writer of his education and skill level could possibly have pulled it off. In terms of subject matter it's the same as all his other books (minus his worst excesses), so don't go looking for anything groundbreaking, but if you're new to Wilson or haven't figured him out yet, by all means get this one.
  
  
• Taken in stride with Prometheus Rising
  By A239NDG5GYYZY8 on 2006-06-01
  This book brings about few concepts that weren't already brought up in Prometheus Rising. Its a Wilson book, so of course its a mind-bender, but its also a repeat, in my opinion. Wilson seems to like to reiterate his many philosophies and theories throughout all of his book with little more added to the soup in each title. This one, in particular, contains group activities suitable for an open-minded (or close-minded I suppose) eclectic party. The setting in which he writes, to the group, reminds me of the feel of groups that meet in the Methodist Church on Monday nights in the basement. Its stuff anyone can do, anywhere in their life, at any time they choose. In a group, its very reinforcing and explorative and thats why I believe Wilson suggests it so heavily. I believe the material IS relevant, but just a tad bit repetitious from Prometheus Rising and points made in Schrodinger's Cat, etc. This is not a detractor because in a world that uses frequency and label control to catagorize our experiences for us, its not so bad to have someone else giving us these messages with both frequency and good content. Please enjoy irresponsibly.
  
  
• My seretonin levels were inhibited by reading this book
  By on 1998-12-14
  Ever wanted to memorize the lexicon of the common house shrew? Well Robert Anton wilson holds the proverbial Rosetta Stone between his tightened mandibles. I was amazed and enthralled by the permutations of the verb "to be". There are five different verbs that signify different states of being. (Unlike the two in simple Spanish) The subtleties of the bilabial fricatives alone made me feel like a transmigrated Timothy Archer. But Bobby Wilson cuts through all the intimidating jargon and other idiosynchratic idiomatic expressions and really makes it easy. Step into the amazing mind of the shrew!
  
  
• Niels Bohr Meets the Buddha
  By A6V3FNJ4GCSXG on 2006-11-05
  This book revisits the notion that while your brain doesn't actually create the universe, it does create the model of the universe that you are aware of and experience. Many well thought-out concepts; ideal for those who need a different perpective to get them out of a psychological rut. The chapter on the E Prime language was a good laugh. It is the exact opposite of what they taught us in journalism class.
  Wilson, as always, inspires. My totally unbiased opinion: he is a national treasure.
  
  
• To Kevin Pfeffer
  By A26F0ID01QEUDV on 2005-04-29
  "If one knows little of physics, of the "quantum" flavor or otherwise, reading this book is no way to start addressing such a deficiency. Why? Because neither does Wilson. (The same should be said about his knowledge of psychology.)
  
  Those who rate this book highly I can only suppose are they who have not studied enough to recognize immediately how little Wilson has to say that is either new, correct, and/or not misguided. I finished the book for no other reason than that (a) I figured it had to get better (It didn't.), and (b) I was traveling and got bored (a condition not addressed in any way by this book).
  
  That Wilson uses his book to demonstrate, with truly sickening repetition, his outright contempt for Catholics and unveiled hatred of conservatives (No doubt there are others on his list of those to be hated.) tells us everything that tolerant and open-minded people need to know about the author. Even if Wilson had the academic creditials reasonably needed to write a book such as this (He doesn't.), his bigotry alone would make clear that one should expect to find no real "science" in this rambling book. And there ain't any."
  
  I am surmising that you're a catholic/christian conservative republican, eh?
  
  
  
• This book stands as a classic in psychology writings
  By on 1998-10-23
  By yourself or with a group (I've tried both ways) this book promisses to be thought provoking. The ideas presented lead us toward a new understanding of psychology from a "hard science" point of view. No matter what your current oppinion, this book seems worth the time and thought.
  
  
• Core Reading
  By A2PVUFJ8SQHPS7 on 2002-12-20
  May be the best of Wilson's book for summing up his version of how the mind works. An excellent integration of diverse sciences, complete with many experiments you can do yourself. Also try Prometheus Rising, and Coincidance.
  
  
• the physics of mind can be fun!
  By A3DWUM6SN3N3NR on 2003-05-30
  Learning how to use your brain is never more fun than with the wonderfully zany, enlightening methods of RAW.

  RAW is like the college professor you always wished you had: joyful, upbeat, cutting edge, the rock n' roll version of the intellectual.

  Quantum Psychology is enlightening in the most fun ways!
  
  

• Typical Wilson :-)
  By A1WJD3GE953ZJ5 on 2006-04-27
  This is like Prometheus Rising for a group setting. If you enjoy Wilson's writing then get the book, if you have a bunch of pals who will get together to do the exercises buy the book. I really have no gripe save one my wife has. You need a dictionary handy. He does not dumb down his works and unless you are a wiz with word meanings and history you will be looking stuff up. I like it though.
  
  
• Worth reading
  By A3GHXG72IYONKC on 2001-12-06
  I have read much of Mr. Wilson's writings. This book is well worth reading for its counter cultural flavor and pseudo-scientific odor. Together they make for a fine work that leaves one laughing with, at and in spite of the author.

  Very hard to put down! Mr. Wilson reminds us not to believe what we hear and only half of what we see. And that includes these words as well as his.
  
  

• Excellent Followup to "Prometheus Rising"
  By A1Y498YLRXYKEW on 2001-12-11
  It's every bit as good and useful as the first book. It will change your life again.
  
  
• Damaging Your Assumptions
  By A2PZ1IXKBWAPNA on 2007-01-29
  This is arguably one of Robert Anton Wilson's best books, along with Prometheus Rising. Although not a quantum physicist by trade or by training, RAW, with unfailingly skill and humour, applies the insights of quantum theory to the psychology of everyday life. If this book alone out of RAW's huge catalogue of works were to be read (and understood), that would be enough to guarantee severe and lasting damage to your previously immutable assumptions...Radical Uncertainty
  
  
• Old bob exposes his knowledge
  By AD6YU780FR8YP on 2002-07-24
  This is the follow up to "prometheus rising and I have to say a damn good book. The author alternates between explaining the absurdly obvious and inherently esoteric while splicing the text with great anecdotes and forceful humour. This makes easier reading for what would otherwise be a very challenging subject. RAW has his own inimitable stlye which fans of previous books will no doubt enjoy. The only reason I haven't given this book the full 5 stars is I think it falls just short of the mark of the standard set by "prometheus rising" and is presented in a very similar manner. RAW has again presented some great perception altering prose and continues to be a forefather of his field
  
  
• Great book
  By APFNDSGVBG7UG on 2006-08-15
  This is every bit the mind bender that the blurbs say it is. Wow!
  
  
• This is Anton Wilsons' take on Leary's Eight Neural Circuit model of human consciousness
  By A14HFU0L07YVHY on 2006-12-01
  This book offers some interesting variations on the Eight Neural Circuit Model of human consciousness developed by Timothy Leary. The major differences are to be found in Anton Wilson's descriptions of the 6th and 7th neural circuits. The magician and psychonaut may judge for themselves which version of this consciousness model is more useful.
  
  
• Not so smart you can't afford to be smarter?
  By A1UBS4EUUONGRZ on 2008-03-08
  This book maybe the best example of how to think to get rid of foolish assumptions and certainties. I guess that would bother some that are not willing to accept their own ignorance and do something about it. This book appears to be the best I've read by the author so far, having also read Promethus and Cosmic Trigger, though they all were on similar levels of genius. Sure, there are no exact formulas or prescriptions that will work for everyone, but if nothing in this book works for you then you most certainly have missed the whole point of the exercise of reading in the first place. Not only was Bob a great writer, but he merely reflects his love for reading through not just writing but concrete examples of consciousness stimulation. That maybe worth the price of admission alone, just to enjoy the guy's particular oscillation of thought patterns and waves that he decides to clarify or help the reader tune into serve only to enhance better understanding of not just his point but anybody attempting to make sense. A sorely missed man but he will live on and only grow in appreciation as time evolves and his ideas resurface for many years to come.
  
  
• great book
  By A2ZUUW3L9935S3 on 2001-08-14
  didn't change what I thought, just made it more explicit. no new ideas that you can't just extract out of the act of life as a thinking person, but certainlly lingually lays it all out for you. the last few chapters are more exciting than most novels, and it all smells good and ... true? e-prime may be great for a lot of things, mostly thought and disconnection from the I, but in reviews and art inprecise language will always (appear to human inprecise senses) rule.
  
  
• Interesting - a bit hard to get through
  By A7UPJYPAH73NC on 2007-06-08
  I would say this is ideal for an intellectual type, who enjoys a clever professor. A bit tough for me to get through - being that I'm more just generally interested in the topics discussed and not passionate about any particular point of view. Learned some things, forgot some things, let some things just pass by. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Probably wouldn't get another book from the author.
  
  

• Prometheus Rising
• The Illuminatus! Trilogy: The Eye in the Pyramid, The Golden Apple, Leviathan
• Cosmic Trigger I : Final Secret of the Illuminati
• Schrodinger's Cat Trilogy
• Undoing Yourself With Energized Meditation and Other Devices