Michael Talbot
Encyclopedia
Michael Coleman Talbot was an American author of several books highlighting parallels between ancient mysticism and quantum mechanics
, and espousing a theoretical model of reality
that suggests the physical universe
is akin to a giant hologram. According to Talbot ESP, telepathy
, and other paranormal phenomena are real and are a product of his holographic model of reality.
on September 29, 1953. He was originally a
fiction/science fiction author. He also contributed articles to The Village Voice
and other publications.
Talbot attempted to incorporate spirituality, religion and science to shed light on profound questions. His non-fiction books include Mysticism And The New Physics, Beyond The Quantum, and The Holographic Universe. Talbot often referenced Stanislav Grof
, whose work on Holotropic Breathwork
was also of obvious influence.
Although Talbot is not known to have made it much of a political issue, he was openly gay, living with a boyfriend, and has become a role model for gay intellectuals . In 1992, Talbot died of lymphocystic leukemia
at age 38. With his disease occurring in the midst of the tragic AIDS
crisis, Talbot is credited with the ironic comment that he suffered from "an unfashionable disease" since he did not suffer from AIDS but rather from a form of leukemia which also killed him at this young age.
and suggests that the universe is a hologram (metaphorically speaking). After examining the work of physicist David Bohm
and neurophysiologist Karl Pribram
, both of whom independently arrived at holographic theories or models of the universe, the book argues that a holographic model could possibly explain supersymmetry
and also various paranormal
and anomalous phenomena and is the basis for mystical experience.
Quantum mysticism
Quantum mysticism is a term that has been used to refer to a set of metaphysical beliefs and associated practices that seek to relate consciousness, intelligence or mystical world-views to the ideas of quantum mechanics and its interpretations...
, and espousing a theoretical model of reality
Reality
In philosophy, reality is the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or might be imagined. In a wider definition, reality includes everything that is and has been, whether or not it is observable or comprehensible...
that suggests the physical universe
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
is akin to a giant hologram. According to Talbot ESP, telepathy
Telepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
, and other paranormal phenomena are real and are a product of his holographic model of reality.
Biography
Talbot was born in Grand Rapids, MichiganMichigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
on September 29, 1953. He was originally a
fiction/science fiction author. He also contributed articles to The Village Voice
The Village Voice
The Village Voice is a free weekly newspaper and news and features website in New York City that features investigative articles, analysis of current affairs and culture, arts and music coverage, and events listings for New York City...
and other publications.
Talbot attempted to incorporate spirituality, religion and science to shed light on profound questions. His non-fiction books include Mysticism And The New Physics, Beyond The Quantum, and The Holographic Universe. Talbot often referenced Stanislav Grof
Stanislav Grof
Stanislav Grof is a psychiatrist, one of the founders of the field of transpersonal psychology and a pioneering researcher into the use of non-ordinary states of consciousness for purposes of analyzing, healing, and obtaining growth and insight into the human psyche...
, whose work on Holotropic Breathwork
Holotropic Breathwork
Holotropic Breathwork is a practice that uses breathing and other elements to allow access to non-ordinary states for the purpose of self-exploration. It was developed by Stanislav Grof, M.D., Ph.D. and Christina Grof, Ph.D. . Holotropic breathing has some similarities to rebirthing-breathwork,...
was also of obvious influence.
Although Talbot is not known to have made it much of a political issue, he was openly gay, living with a boyfriend, and has become a role model for gay intellectuals . In 1992, Talbot died of lymphocystic leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
at age 38. With his disease occurring in the midst of the tragic AIDS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
crisis, Talbot is credited with the ironic comment that he suffered from "an unfashionable disease" since he did not suffer from AIDS but rather from a form of leukemia which also killed him at this young age.
The Holographic Universe
Talbot's book The Holographic Universe, which has become his most popular, explores the metaphysical implications that underline quantum mechanicsQuantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a branch of physics providing a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter. It departs from classical mechanics primarily at the atomic and subatomic...
and suggests that the universe is a hologram (metaphorically speaking). After examining the work of physicist David Bohm
David Bohm
David Joseph Bohm FRS was an American-born British quantum physicist who contributed to theoretical physics, philosophy, neuropsychology, and the Manhattan Project.-Youth and college:...
and neurophysiologist Karl Pribram
Karl H. Pribram
Karl H. Pribram is a professor at Georgetown University, in the United States, and an emeritus professor of psychology and psychiatry at Stanford University and Radford University...
, both of whom independently arrived at holographic theories or models of the universe, the book argues that a holographic model could possibly explain supersymmetry
Supersymmetry
In particle physics, supersymmetry is a symmetry that relates elementary particles of one spin to other particles that differ by half a unit of spin and are known as superpartners...
and also various paranormal
Paranormal
Paranormal is a general term that designates experiences that lie outside "the range of normal experience or scientific explanation" or that indicates phenomena understood to be outside of science's current ability to explain or measure...
and anomalous phenomena and is the basis for mystical experience.
External links
- The Universe As A Hologram - article by Michael Talbot
- Synchronicity and the Holographic Universe (Interview on Thinking Allowed)
- Physics of the Mind: Holographic Realities (New Dimensions Radio - April 30, 1991)
- A review of "The Holographic Universe" (includes Talbot's Introduction to the book)
- Michael Talbot on Holographic Universe on Google Video