Parallel Universes: The Search for Other Worlds by Fred Alan Wolf

by Fred Alan Wolf

From renowned physicist Fred Alan Wolf comes his enthralling and accessible exploration of parallel universes and the various theories surrounding them.In this "enthralling read" (Publishers Weekly), travel through the frontiers of space as physicist Fred Alan Wolf guides you through the complex yet intruging concept of parallel universes. Challenge your preceptions of the universe and explore ideas as varied as superspace theater and zero-time ghosts and even explore a future where time travel is real and black holes are gateways rather than endings.

Genres: Science, Physics, Nonfiction, Quantum Mechanics

Board Book

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Rama Rao · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paradox of Parallel Universes

This is a difficult subject to comprehend and the author does not help the reader to make it any easier: He not only confuses the reader but also makes it boring by repetition, innumerable references to; fiction, TV shows and other literature that is not directly related to physics. Although the book is free of physics and mathematics, the author could have spent few chapters to concentrate on the physics of parallel universes in layman's language to make the reader understand the physical principles on which physicists want us to believe in parallel universes. The book is described in six parts related to quantum physics, relativity, cosmology, time and parallel universe, understanding of our universe (with parallel universes) and psychology. The idea of parallel universe was first conceived by Hugh Everett III in 1957; his accounting of the famous double-slit experiment and wave particle duality is that since wave is not real but it is probability wave or quantum wave function that may be associated with two particles (in two universes) and not one particle (in one universe).

The author could have hammered on topics such as Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle (UP), the Observer Effect (Schrödinger's Cat, Wigner's Friend, EPR Paradox) on split and collapse of quantum wave function, antimatter, blackholes (Einstein-Rosen Bridge), invisibility of time, and better explanation of quantum mechanics and theory of relativity (both support the existence of parallel universes) in few short chapters and stay focused on the topic without wandering to fiction or other narratives. This would have helped a reader in understanding the concepts better. It is clear from this observation that the reader is not deprived of anything if he/she chooses not to own this book.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stimulated by reading the Fabric of Reality. A wacky desription of the many world interpretation of quantum theory as originally described by Hugh Everett. Did not trigger my imagination.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Filled with paradigms, perplexities, and startling perspective, “Parallel Universes” lives up to its billing as a wild intellectual saga. Forcing mind and soul into higher dimensional thought, this book is a full-court press into the heart of quantum phenomena. The role of consciousness, observer, and reality are ruthless probed; one’s comfortable view of the universe is startlingly well-challenged. Filled with analogies, tackling quantum waves, singularities, ethics, quantum computing, the delicate weave of space-time, and MUCH more, this is read is definitely structured toward some prior scientific/physics aptitude. Here is where failings are present: the writing style is often clunky, and lacking a consistent flow, unlike the manner of Green, Randall, Sagan, and Tyson. In my opinion, too many analogies might be present here, as frequent weighty sentences take the punch out of the subject matter. We do see some speculation and departure from a good core of modern quantum mechanics, Schrodinger, Born, and Hiesenburg could be explored more. And of course, most quantum arenas have evolved since this publication (1988), which necessitates independent research. Had it not been for my astrophysical background, I probably would not have pursued this title. That said, it’s worth the read!

[Taylor Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with mind-bending concepts. But Wolf often goes too surface-level/abstract/speculative with his views (maybe back then there wasn't hard enough evidence to back up his claims?). Also, he frequently poses questions he doesn't answer or promises to provide things he never ends up providing. Or maybe he actually does follow through and I didn't catch it. This book can get trippy as fuck at times. It's best just to sit back and enjoy the ride.

[Juan Trujillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favourite quote: "Thus consciousness is the resonant gathering of simultane­ously present quantum waves—clashing waves of time—one coming from the future and one coming from the past. This defines what we mean by the present or now. And in this manner mind emerges as the focal point of waves coming from both the future and the past."

[Debs]

Beautifully explained, but with lots of repetition. I’d recommend skim-reading the book, in order to get the story in one swift go. No equations to illustrate explanations, though, which might have been helpful.

[Deborah Coupey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Conference Director for the I.A.S.D. I nominated Fred Alan Wolf to be the keynote Speaker for the 2012 International Conference in Berkeley, California.

[White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. Fred alan Wolf is one of my favorite authors. Although I feel like he leaves the crux of science a time or two, what he has to give is so worthwhile, I can overlook it.

I remember a concept in this book that specifically defined humans as a large filter because of the way our cerebral cortex is mapped out and how it functions. Immediately coming back to David Hume, the physics and physiology of Wolf made perfect sense. Without realizing it, he validated what Hume had come to understand even without the scientific knowledge. That's a rush for me.

I left this book feeling humbled at being human and believed I was standing next to an entire universe of "others" who play just as large a part in it as I do, if we play a part in it at all.

I don't personally believe in parallel universes. But that's ok because Wolf has so many contributions to existence in so many other ways, again what he has to give is so worthwhile, I can over look it.

This is a fantastic book.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just find it so delicious when these quantum physicists and cosmologists come to the conclusion, based on their understanding of quantum mechanics and the universe, already reached so very long ago by the artists and philosophers; that consciousness, self-awareness, and that endless questioning that makes us who we are, is what makes reality. "Reality consists of a gigantic superspace-the mathematical space of all possibilities." (Page 310). "The fog of time is parallel universes." (Page 311). I would add to that statement something I was waiting for him to write next, but he didn't, although I think he would agree: "similar to how the electron cloud surrounding the atom's nucleus represents all possible final states of that atom once it is observed, and thus all possible final realities that that atom can become." He quotes T.S. Eliot, and says that this mathematical space of all possibilities might be thought of as the mind of God.

Well, well.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, this is very readable--a plus. Some books that try to popularize scientific theories and findings don't end up becoming accessible to a generalist public. This does that task pretty well. Second, the focus is provocative--parallel universes. Quantum mechanics (and relativity) are brought to bear to dfiscuss the possibility of such parallel universes.

Well written on a provocative subject. A pretty good entree to the subject. . . .

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fred Alan Wolf is brilliant! He just did an interview on Steve Maraboli's radio show and it was amazing!!! I absolutely had to buy a few of his book after listening to their conversation. He's really enthusiastic about his work, and makes it very easy to understand. this book blew my mind. I loved it! Read this!

[Ernest Dempsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parallel Universes is not just a good quantum physics book for laymen and science students; it is truly a good source of history of quantum physics. There is a lot of information on when, where, and through whom a particular concept or view came to be founded and/or developed.

Read the complete review at https://www.ernestdempsey.com/paralle...

[PABlo Bley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first encountered Dr. Quantum (Fred Wolf), in "What the Bleep", and I've been a fan ever since. He really has a knack for the explanations, and could even be compared to the best of all writers-who-explain-complex-subjects-in-a-way-that-actually-makes-sense like Carl Sagan, or Michio Kaku

[David Almeida]

Very cool stuff. Unfortunatley I have very little time to read and my list of currently-reading and need-to-read books is getting rediculously big.

[Adam Wilmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A topic very close to my heart...

[Tamzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fred Alan Wolf is one of the scientists from the movie What The Bleep Do We Know. He explains quantum physics in an way that was pretty easy to understand. Great book!

[aldo zirsov · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Sun Badger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the section on Time. Well written concise with lots of hypotheses to ponder.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book.