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Volume I: Power vs Force: Muscle Testing Video
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About the author
David R. Hawkins
306 books2,167 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Sir David Ramon Hawkins, M.D, Ph.D. was a nationally renowned psychiatrist, physician, researcher, spiritual teacher and lecturer.
Founding Director of the Institute for Spiritual Research, Inc. (1983) and Founder of the Path of Devotional Nonduality (2003), Dr. Hawkins lectured widely at such places as Westminster Abbey; Oxford Forum; Universities of Notre Dame, Michigan, Argentina, Fordham and Harvard; University of California (SF) Medical School; Institute of Noetic Sciences; and Agape Spiritual Center (Los Angeles). In addition, he has been an advisor to Catholic, Protestant, and Buddhist monasteries. He conferred with foreign governments on international diplomacy and has been instrumental in resolving long–standing conflicts that were major threats to world peace.
He is featured in recent documentary films, magazines, and radio interviews (e.g., Oprah Radio and Institute of Noetic Sciences) for his work in the areas of health, healing, recovery, spirituality in modern life, consciousness research, and meditation.
Dr. Hawkins entered the field of medicine to alleviate human pain and distress, and his work as a physician was pioneering. As Medical Director of the North Nassau Mental Health Center (1956–1980) and Director of Research at Brunswick Hospital (1968–1979) on Long Island, his clinic was the largest practice in the United States, including a suite of twenty–five offices, two thousand outpatients, and several research laboratories. In 1973, he co–authored the ground–breaking work, Orthomolecular Psychiatry with Nobel Laureate chemist Linus Pauling, initiating a new field within psychiatry.
His clinical breakthroughs brought appearances on The Today Show, The Barbara Walters Show and The Mcneil/Leher News Hour. In the 1970s, he co–founded several psychiatric organizations, including the Editorial Board of the Journal of Schizophrenia and the Attitudinal Healing Center in New York.
Many awards followed, such as The Huxley Award for the "Inestimable Contribution to the Alleviation of Human Suffering," Physicians Recognition Award by the American Medical Association, 50–Year Distinguished Life Fellow by the American Psychiatric Association, the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame, and a nomination for the prestigious Templeton Prize that honors progress in Science and Religion. In 1995, in a ceremony officiated by the H.H. Prince Valdemar of Schaumburg–Lippe at the San Anselmo Theological Seminary, he became a knight of the Sovereign Order of the Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem (founded in 1077) in recognition of his contributions to humanity.
Sir David Ramon Hawkins, M.D, Ph.D. was a nationally renowned psychiatrist, physician, researcher, spiritual teacher and lecturer.
Founding Director of the Institute for Spiritual Research, Inc. (1983) and Founder of the Path of Devotional Nonduality (2003), Dr. Hawkins lectured widely at such places as Westminster Abbey; Oxford Forum; Universities of Notre Dame, Michigan, Argentina, Fordham and Harvard; University of California (SF) Medical School; Institute of Noetic Sciences; and Agape Spiritual Center (Los Angeles). In addition, he has been an advisor to Catholic, Protestant, and Buddhist monasteries. He conferred with foreign governments on international diplomacy and has been instrumental in resolving long–standing conflicts that were major threats to world peace.
He is featured in recent documentary films, magazines, and radio interviews (e.g., Oprah Radio and Institute of Noetic Sciences) for his work in the areas of health, healing, recovery, spirituality in modern life, consciousness research, and meditation.
Dr. Hawkins entered the field of medicine to alleviate human pain and distress, and his work as a physician was pioneering. As Medical Director of the North Nassau Mental Health Center (1956–1980) and Director of Research at Brunswick Hospital (1968–1979) on Long Island, his clinic was the largest practice in the United States, including a suite of twenty–five offices, two thousand outpatients, and several research laboratories. In 1973, he co–authored the ground–breaking work, Orthomolecular Psychiatry with Nobel Laureate chemist Linus Pauling, initiating a new field within psychiatry.
His clinical breakthroughs brought appearances on The Today Show, The Barbara Walters Show and The Mcneil/Leher News Hour. In the 1970s, he co–founded several psychiatric organizations, including the Editorial Board of the Journal of Schizophrenia and the Attitudinal Healing Center in New York.
Many awards followed, such as The Huxley Award for the "Inestimable Contribution to the Alleviation of Human Suffering," Physicians Recognition Award by the American Medical Association, 50–Year Distinguished Life Fellow by the American Psychiatric Association, the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame, and a nomination for the prestigious Templeton Prize that honors progress in Science and Religion. In 1995, in a ceremony officiated by the H.H. Prince Valdemar of Schaumburg–Lippe at the San Anselmo Theological Seminary, he became a knight of the Sovereign Order of the Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem (founded in 1077) in recognition of his contributions to humanity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 26, 2022
The founder of behavioral kinesiology, Dr. John Diamond, was a very spiritual man, believing that all human wellness originated from an inner Life Energy akin to the ancient Chinese concept of Qi. He saw that all of us humans are connected via an all-encompassing metaphysical structure of humanity. A spiritual ‘whole,’ that once realized, can be truly metamorphosing. In 1957, Diamond graduated from medical school in Sydney, Australia, with a degree in psychological medicine. It was there that he developed a lot of his theories on human consciousness and connectedness. In the late 1970’s, he founded the field of behavioral kinesiology, the synthesis of his time studying psychological concepts in science and spiritual concepts in life. This connection between body and mind is the basis for Hawkins’ further exploration of these same concepts in Power vs. Force.
Our mind and body perform in tandem in all endeavors; our thoughts affect how our body operates and our body’s relationship to our mind affects it considerably as well. If we think negative thoughts, our body will ‘feel it.’ This is exemplified by the numerous studies done on the impact of stress on the body: it has been proven that mental stress can have profound and long-lasting physical health effects. Similarly, if you force yourself to smile, you will indeed feel happier. Walking into a room with your shoulders back will make you feel more confident in the presence of others. The mind and body work off of each other in both positive and negative ways.
The single practicable idea posited in this book is the ability to ‘test’ ideas as they are received by the body. The test itself is simple: one person holds their arm out straight, parallel to the ground, and a second person applies pressure to their wrist in an attempt to push the arm back down to the first person’s side. When ideas like love, compassion, reason, acceptance, willingness, and courage are held in mind, they will ‘test positive,’ and the first person’s arm will stay strong in the face of resistance. When pride, fear, anger, grief, apathy, or shame are thought of, they will ‘test negative’ and their arm will succumb to pressure and be easily pushed down. It’s that simple. It is not about physical strength, as bodybuilders and grandmothers alike are susceptible to this test; it is the body’s manifestation of ideas in its physicality. “The body can discern, to the finest degree, the difference between that which is supportive of life and that which is not.” This is also true for physical stimulants as well. Putting organic sugar under one’s tongue will test positive and the arm will remain strong, for example, whilst processed sugar will test negative and the arm will go weak.
Once we have accepted this premise, the further differences between power and force can be explored. “Power appeals to that which uplifts, dignifies, and ennobles,” Hawkins says of things that test positive. Force, on the other hand, is descriptive of conflict and condemnation. “Force always creates counterforce; its effect is to polarize rather than to unify.”
Napoleon Bonaparte, looking back over his years of conquest, is reported to have said: “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have built great empires. But upon what did they depend? They depended on force. But centuries ago Jesus started an empire built on love, and even to this day millions will die for him.” The difference between power and force is the difference between Jesus and Napoleon. Napoleon built an ‘empire’ via force, whilst Jesus created a following based on the powerful uplifting sentiments of love and peace. Napoleon came and went in the span of decades. Jesus’ lessons have survived millennia. The same comparison can be made between Hitler and Churchill. Hitler amassed the largest military force the world had ever seen, yet was foiled by the power expressed by Winston Churchill, “who unified the will of his people through [the] principles of freedom and selfless sacrifice.”
Power and force are the two main overarching tools used by those who desire to change the world. The powerful change the world via ideas whilst the forceful change the world via violence. When the two meet, power always eventually succeeds; on a long enough timeline, the power of ideas always outlasts the force of violence. This is because power originates in the mind, whereas force can only manifest itself in the physical world. Through this lens, we can see that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. Force creates opposition. Power creates unity. It is not a secret which is more effective, and which we should prefer.
By testing our body’s responses to different stimuli, we can gain a tremendous amount of information both individually and collectively. Holding a specific relationship in mind, for example, can produce surprising results: perhaps our significant other makes us go weak, indicating a problem. “By testing, we can prove that a false premise such as ‘the end justifies the means’ is operationally negative, yet this is a routinely accepted justification for much of human behavior.” While it is not a definitive test, it can tip us off to parts of ourselves we were unaware of. The benefit of realizing that an idea is not as foolproof as we first thought is important. This field of behavioral kinesiology is the crossroads between biology and spirituality, between mind and body, and we would be wise to tap into this knowledge.
Our mind and body perform in tandem in all endeavors; our thoughts affect how our body operates and our body’s relationship to our mind affects it considerably as well. If we think negative thoughts, our body will ‘feel it.’ This is exemplified by the numerous studies done on the impact of stress on the body: it has been proven that mental stress can have profound and long-lasting physical health effects. Similarly, if you force yourself to smile, you will indeed feel happier. Walking into a room with your shoulders back will make you feel more confident in the presence of others. The mind and body work off of each other in both positive and negative ways.
The single practicable idea posited in this book is the ability to ‘test’ ideas as they are received by the body. The test itself is simple: one person holds their arm out straight, parallel to the ground, and a second person applies pressure to their wrist in an attempt to push the arm back down to the first person’s side. When ideas like love, compassion, reason, acceptance, willingness, and courage are held in mind, they will ‘test positive,’ and the first person’s arm will stay strong in the face of resistance. When pride, fear, anger, grief, apathy, or shame are thought of, they will ‘test negative’ and their arm will succumb to pressure and be easily pushed down. It’s that simple. It is not about physical strength, as bodybuilders and grandmothers alike are susceptible to this test; it is the body’s manifestation of ideas in its physicality. “The body can discern, to the finest degree, the difference between that which is supportive of life and that which is not.” This is also true for physical stimulants as well. Putting organic sugar under one’s tongue will test positive and the arm will remain strong, for example, whilst processed sugar will test negative and the arm will go weak.
Once we have accepted this premise, the further differences between power and force can be explored. “Power appeals to that which uplifts, dignifies, and ennobles,” Hawkins says of things that test positive. Force, on the other hand, is descriptive of conflict and condemnation. “Force always creates counterforce; its effect is to polarize rather than to unify.”
Napoleon Bonaparte, looking back over his years of conquest, is reported to have said: “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have built great empires. But upon what did they depend? They depended on force. But centuries ago Jesus started an empire built on love, and even to this day millions will die for him.” The difference between power and force is the difference between Jesus and Napoleon. Napoleon built an ‘empire’ via force, whilst Jesus created a following based on the powerful uplifting sentiments of love and peace. Napoleon came and went in the span of decades. Jesus’ lessons have survived millennia. The same comparison can be made between Hitler and Churchill. Hitler amassed the largest military force the world had ever seen, yet was foiled by the power expressed by Winston Churchill, “who unified the will of his people through [the] principles of freedom and selfless sacrifice.”
Power and force are the two main overarching tools used by those who desire to change the world. The powerful change the world via ideas whilst the forceful change the world via violence. When the two meet, power always eventually succeeds; on a long enough timeline, the power of ideas always outlasts the force of violence. This is because power originates in the mind, whereas force can only manifest itself in the physical world. Through this lens, we can see that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. Force creates opposition. Power creates unity. It is not a secret which is more effective, and which we should prefer.
By testing our body’s responses to different stimuli, we can gain a tremendous amount of information both individually and collectively. Holding a specific relationship in mind, for example, can produce surprising results: perhaps our significant other makes us go weak, indicating a problem. “By testing, we can prove that a false premise such as ‘the end justifies the means’ is operationally negative, yet this is a routinely accepted justification for much of human behavior.” While it is not a definitive test, it can tip us off to parts of ourselves we were unaware of. The benefit of realizing that an idea is not as foolproof as we first thought is important. This field of behavioral kinesiology is the crossroads between biology and spirituality, between mind and body, and we would be wise to tap into this knowledge.
March 11, 2024
TL;DR is - don't read this.
Slightly longer story is: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...
and
it threw me into an interesting rabbit hole of reading about science that clearly cannot be backed up, and finding that if it's not too large of a field, not that many people will try to debunk it, because it's not worth it.
Otherwise seems like the author was a great person who wanted to reduce suffering in the world - hope he was successful.
Slightly longer story is: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...
and
it threw me into an interesting rabbit hole of reading about science that clearly cannot be backed up, and finding that if it's not too large of a field, not that many people will try to debunk it, because it's not worth it.
Otherwise seems like the author was a great person who wanted to reduce suffering in the world - hope he was successful.
August 4, 2020
Labai naudinga, įdomi, įžvalgi knyga visiems, kas skaito ezoterinę literatūrą.
February 22, 2020
absolutely amazing drawing from philosophers in the past. To support current values and beliefs. the main message I took away from the book was we are what we put out into the world. Very valuble and insightful read for those who wish to expand their knowledge of understanding on a higher level.
February 8, 2021
I use this book in a college class. While the methodology may seem a bit vibration-ist, the premise and the scale and the biographical piece at the end are well worth the price of admission. The distinction Hawkins makes between power and force is so great that we ought to move over the word power only to apply the way he uses power: it's more like divine power. It is not authority; it is ability. In the field of Sociology, the old Talcott Parsons used the word more like this, which is why the Left Wing did not like him. They use power to indicate power OVER. That is what Hawkins means by force. Force is one ... force "over" another force. To fill in the gap left by claiming the divinity of power, we could use something like "positions of authority." Positions are authority are filled with individuals who may calibrate in the force range or in the power range. We would get more mileage out of our language and discussions that way. I read this book every year, so I am posting this edition along with the other edition already posted.
January 7, 2023
Not beyond amazing but amazing nonetheless.
What my 👂 heard below 👇
My dream had been bulldozed
A pungy earthy wiff
Beyond amazing
My shock morphed back into confidence
Hokey banter
A calm enveloped my mind
You find glee pissing off your boss
Visible look of worry on his face
Unscrupulous treason
Detroit is a place you can break the rules without reprisal
Once it becomes lodged there in your mind it won't go away
I'll sleep like a lamb tonight staff up I need dedicated minions
Holel up in my favorite coffee shop
Your eyes are welted with worry
Your lies are becoming too complicated to track
Before I tap out another email
He has a dazzling intellect
Are you part phone charger?
Because I'm dying without you
What my 👂 heard below 👇
My dream had been bulldozed
A pungy earthy wiff
Beyond amazing
My shock morphed back into confidence
Hokey banter
A calm enveloped my mind
You find glee pissing off your boss
Visible look of worry on his face
Unscrupulous treason
Detroit is a place you can break the rules without reprisal
Once it becomes lodged there in your mind it won't go away
I'll sleep like a lamb tonight staff up I need dedicated minions
Holel up in my favorite coffee shop
Your eyes are welted with worry
Your lies are becoming too complicated to track
Before I tap out another email
He has a dazzling intellect
Are you part phone charger?
Because I'm dying without you
January 18, 2022
The anatomy of consciousness. Brilliant and useful, providing an understanding of the energy that power vs force can generate, using his famous calibrating method (kinesiology). Interesting to read about the calibrating of historical events, for example, to understand about human consciousness and how it is affected by words, deeds and actions, and vice versa. Highlighting the necessity and benefit of taking responsibility and learning how to use more power and less force to enjoy a more fulfilling life.
August 1, 2021
Mình thấy cuốn này thông điệp tích cực, con người chúng ta nên cố gắng tiến lên những vùng năng lượng cao hơn bằng cách thay đổi bản thân, suy nghĩ và bao dung, yêu thương và đóng góp.
Nhưng mà nhiều đoạ mình đọc thấy hơi hàn lâm và khó hiểu quá, có thể là do dịch hoặc lối viết hơi lý thuyết và ít minh hoạ
Nhưng mà nhiều đoạ mình đọc thấy hơi hàn lâm và khó hiểu quá, có thể là do dịch hoặc lối viết hơi lý thuyết và ít minh hoạ
September 8, 2021
Excellent!!!!
May 19, 2022
Life changing!
July 24, 2022
Power of love, and how it effects all around you, going beyond material to enlightening the soul as your goal.
The original texts in religion calibrated much higher than the revisions.
The original texts in religion calibrated much higher than the revisions.
December 9, 2022
This is a very good read. Allows your mind to open up and wake up.
November 25, 2024
Power vs. Force is a thought-provoking, insightful, and eye-opening exploration of human energy and consciousness. The book does a remarkable job of illustrating how an individual's energy frequency corresponds to various states of being, as explained on the well-crafted and detailed scale of consciousness.
While the concepts are deeply compelling and transformative, some sections are challenging to read due to the use of scientific terminology, which may require a bit of extra effort to fully grasp. However, the dedication to explaining these ideas in depth is commendable and adds to the book’s authenticity and value.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and found it to be a powerful guide to understanding the subtle but profound forces that shape our lives and interactions. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their awareness and improve their quality of life.
While the concepts are deeply compelling and transformative, some sections are challenging to read due to the use of scientific terminology, which may require a bit of extra effort to fully grasp. However, the dedication to explaining these ideas in depth is commendable and adds to the book’s authenticity and value.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and found it to be a powerful guide to understanding the subtle but profound forces that shape our lives and interactions. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their awareness and improve their quality of life.
October 29, 2023
This book surprised me. I am familar with muscle testing but didn't realise that this is what this book is based on, except as a guide for making decisions.
I read this as an ebook and had blue highlights as I read. I turned most of the book blue!
Vibration, energy, negative influences, none of it surprised me but I found the book to be a great guide on how to tap into your body to decide what choices are life-affirming and what choices are not.
Science and religion both come under the microscope. I found it fascinating that so many reilgions vibrated at a high level when the teachings of Christ, Buddha, Krishna and others were teaching. But they have reduced in vibration as their work was interpreted.
There's great wisdom in this book.
I read this as an ebook and had blue highlights as I read. I turned most of the book blue!
Vibration, energy, negative influences, none of it surprised me but I found the book to be a great guide on how to tap into your body to decide what choices are life-affirming and what choices are not.
Science and religion both come under the microscope. I found it fascinating that so many reilgions vibrated at a high level when the teachings of Christ, Buddha, Krishna and others were teaching. But they have reduced in vibration as their work was interpreted.
There's great wisdom in this book.
February 8, 2025
Understanding the different levels of human consciousness and how it affects almost every aspect of our lives through business, sports and religions. David R Hawkins and his research makes me comeback to read this book at-least once a year. Working through the levels of consciousness makes readers understand the growth amongst themselves, yet humbles the reader to know that there is more room for growth.
I would recommend this book to any reader that is going through a tough time in their life or you know you are going through changes. This book has helped me grow and helped me looked inward towards my flaws, regrets and moving forward with a positive attitude to better myself.
Rest in peace Nipsey Hussle and David R Hawkins
June 4, 2024
Very interesting book.
There's a lot to think about here, but one thing's for certain. It will change the way I communicate and look at life.
I can not seem to do the "muscle testing", but that is not as important to me as what I learned about higher vibrational emotions, words, thoughts and circumstances.
I especially recommend this book to those who consider themselves spiritual, and on a path to higher consciousness.
There's a lot to think about here, but one thing's for certain. It will change the way I communicate and look at life.
I can not seem to do the "muscle testing", but that is not as important to me as what I learned about higher vibrational emotions, words, thoughts and circumstances.
I especially recommend this book to those who consider themselves spiritual, and on a path to higher consciousness.
July 4, 2020
I now have a book that actually backs up my theory about the levels of consciousness--and the emotions that are akin to them. This is also fleshed out in the various stages of human history, as we continue to evolve as a species. Most importantly, power will always overcome force. Power is unspoken, unseen, and yet is inherent. Force is the outward display of trying to coerce and manipulate.
June 10, 2019
This book was extraordinary, and confirmed everything I believe about the impact of the POWER differential. In particular, the impact of POWER on addiction recovery. It is all about the POWER!! Highly recommend this book!
January 2, 2024
This book changed my life. I definitely had a different view of reality after coming to terms that human emotion is the driving force behind any social interaction. I will forever be free as I live through my emotions.
June 26, 2025
Hidden human behaviors according to energy and level of consciousness
Enlightenment is highest grade of consciousness levels
Shame is lowest grade of consciousness levels
Choose your path wisely
Enlightenment is highest grade of consciousness levels
Shame is lowest grade of consciousness levels
Choose your path wisely
August 24, 2025
Este libro te cambia la vida. Es bastante denso, por lo que hay que leerlo con calma, pero te hace entender muchas cosas de la vida cotidiana y aceptar que el cambio real lo tienes que hacer tu y no en el mundo.
July 18, 2020
Great concepts but after awhile it gets redundant.
August 7, 2023
Book is a bunch of poppycock. I dont know why I got it but do not buy.
August 20, 2023
Finally get around to this book. Very interesting comparison between these two motivators
November 11, 2023
Life Changing Book - Whoa!!!!
July 12, 2024
On par with the greatest books out there - such as the Vedas, Torah, Bible, and more. I will keep re-reading this one and letting go.
July 24, 2024
Ascend yourself and your consciousness in this cocktail of insights and cross pollination of ideas compendiously articulated and orchestrated 💡
September 14, 2024
This is a scam. The intentions are good, but it is a get rich quick scheme on a spiritual and moral level.
September 18, 2024
Life changing book. Must read for all spiritual seeks.
January 10, 2025
I really wanted to like this book but honestly couldn't force myself to get past the few first chapters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews