Biocentrism (theory of everything)
Biocentrism (from Greek: βίος, bios, “life”; and κέντρον, kentron, “center”) — also known as the biocentric universe — is a theory proposed in 2007 by American scientist Robert Lanza, which sees biology as the central driving science in the universe, and an understanding of the other sciences as reliant on a deeper understanding of biology. Lanza believes that life and biology are central to being, reality, and the cosmos—consciousness creates the universe rather than the other way around. While physics is considered fundamental to the study of the universe, and chemistry fundamental to the study of life, Lanza claims that scientists will need to place biology before the other sciences to produce a “theory of everything”
Critics have questioned whether the theory is falsifiable. Lanza has argued that future experiments, such as scaled-up quantum superposition, will either support or contradict the theory.
Theory
Biocentrism was first proposed in a 2007 article by Robert Lanza that appeared in “The
Biocentrism argues that the primacy of consciousness features in the work of René Descartes, Immanuel Kant, Gottfried Leibniz, George Berkeley, Arthur Schopenhauer, and Henri Bergson. He sees this as supporting the central claim that what we call space and time are forms of animal sense perception, rather than external physical objects.
Robert Lanza argues that biocentrism offers insight into several major puzzles of science, including Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, the double-slit experiment, and the fine tuning of the forces, constants, and laws that shape the universe as we perceive it. According to Robert Lanza and Bob Berman, “biocentrism offers a more promising way to bring together all of physics, as scientists have been trying to do since Einstein’s unsuccessful unified field theories of eight decades ago.”
Seven principles form the core of biocentrism. The first principle of biocentrism is based on the premise that what we observe is dependent on the observer, and says that what we perceive as reality is “a process that involves our consciousness.” The second and third principles state that “our external and internal perceptions are intertwined” and that the behavior of particles “is inextricably linked to the presence of an observer,” respectively. The fourth principle suggests that consciousness must exist and that without it “matter dwells in an undetermined state of probability.” The fifth principle points to the structure of the universe itself, and that the laws, forces, and constants of the universe appear to be fine-tuned for life. Finally, the sixth and seventh principles state that space and time are not objects or things, but rather tools of our animal understanding. Lanza says that we carry space and time around with us “like turtles with shells.”
Robert Lanza claims that biological observers actually create the arrow of time. In his papers on relativity (also published in Annalen der Physik), Einstein showed that time was relative to the observer; in their paper, Podolskiy and Lanza argue that quantum gravitational decoherence is too ineffective to guarantee the emergence of the arrow of time and the “quantum-to-classical” transition to happen at scales of physical interest. They argue that the emergence of the arrow of time is directly related to the way biological observers with memory functions process and remember information. They cite Robert Lanza’s American Scholar paper on biocentrism, stating that the “brainless” observer does not experience time and/or decoherence of any degrees of freedom.
Synopsis of Dr. Robert Lanza’s book “Biocentrism”
According to Lanza’s book, “Biocentrism” suggests that life is not an accidental byproduct of physics, but rather is a key part of our understanding of the universe. Biocentrism states that there is no independent external universe outside of biological existence. Part of what it sees as evidence of this is that there are over 200 physical parameters within the universe so exact that it is seen as more probable that they are that way in order to allow for existence of life and consciousness, rather than coming about at random. Biocentrism claims that allowing the observer into the equation opens new approaches to understanding cognition. Through this, biocentrism purports to offer a way to unify the laws of the universe.
Synopsis of Robert Lanza’s book “Beyond Biocentrism”
In 2016, Robert Lanza wrote a follow-up book on biocentrism with Bob Berman, “Beyond Biocentrism.” The book extends Lanza’s ideas, providing a more through explanation of his theory, including the latest scientific findings in fields ranging from botany and astrophysics to quantum mechanics and neuroscience; it also includes chapters that solely address issues such as whether death is an illusion, whether plants have awareness, and whether machines will ever achieve consciousness. In addition to presenting the scientific evidence, the book presents the philosophical arguments behind biocentrism to explain its implications for society and our individual lives, including the underlying unity of nature and the observer with all its implications ‒ chief among them the unreality of death.
Reception
David Thompson, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said that Robert Lanza’s “work is a wake-up call.” Nobel laureate E. Donnall Thomas said, “Any short statement does not do justice to such a scholarly work. The work is a scholarly consideration of science and philosophy that brings biology into the central role in unifying the whole.” Wake Forest University scientist and professor of medicine Anthony Atala stated, “This new theory is certain to revolutionize our concepts of the laws of nature for centuries to come.” Richard Conn Henry, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University, pointed out that Robert Lanza’s theory is consistent with quantum mechanics: “What Lanza says in this book is not new. Then why does Robert have to say it at all? It is because we, the physicists, do NOT say it––or if we do say it, we only whisper it, and in private––furiously blushing as we mouth the words. True, yes; politically correct, hell no!”
Indian physician and writer Deepak Chopra stated that “Lanza’s insights into the nature of consciousness [are] original and exciting” and that “his theory of biocentrism is consistent with the most ancient wisdom traditions of the world which says that consciousness conceives, governs, and becomes a physical world. It is the ground of our Being in which both subjective and objective reality come into existence.”
In his book “The Unobservable Universe,” physicist Scott M. Tyson wrote that “The views that Dr. Lanza presented in this book changed my thinking in ways from which there could never be retreat. Before I had actually finished reading the book, it was abundantly obvious to me that Dr. Lanza’s writings provided me with the pieces of perspective that I had been desperately seeking. Everything I had learned and everything I thought I knew just exploded in my mind and, as possibilities first erupted and then settled down, a completely new understanding emerged. The information I had accumulated in my mind hadn’t changed, but the way I viewed it did –in a really big way.”
Biocentrism shocked the world with a radical rethinking of the nature of reality … but that was just the beginning.
In Beyond Biocentrism, acclaimed biologist Robert Lanza, one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2014, and leading astronomer Bob Berman, take the reader on an intellectual thrill-ride as they re-examine everything we thought we knew about life, death, the universe and the nature of reality itself.
It starts acknowledging that our existing model of reality is looking increasingly creaky in the face of recent scientific discoveries. Science tells us with some precision that over 95% of the universe is mostly composed of dark matter and dark energy, but must confess that it doesn’t really know what dark matter is, and knows even less about dark energy. Science is increasingly pointing towards an infinite universe, but has no ability to explain what that really means. Concepts such as time, space and even causality are increasingly being demonstrated as meaningless.
All of science is based on information passing through our consciousness, but science doesn’t have a clue what consciousness is. Studies have repeatedly established a clear linkage between subatomic states and observation by conscious observers, but science cannot explain this linkage in any satisfactory way. Biologists describe the origin of life as a random occurrence in a dead universe, but we have no real understanding of how life began, or why the universe appears to be exquisitely designed for the emergence of life.
Biocentrism isn’t a rejection of science. Rather, biocentrism challenges us to fully accept the implications of the latest scientific findings in fields ranging from plant biology and cosmology to quantum entanglement and consciousness.
By listening to what the science is telling us, it becomes increasingly clear that life and consciousness are fundamental to any true understanding of the universe. This forces a fundamental rethinking of everything we thought we knew about life, death, and our place in the universe.
FROM THE BACK COVER
“Robert Lanza and Bob Berman present an audacious program to restore meaning to science—to provide explanations that go deeper than today’s physical theories. Beyond Biocentrism is a joyride through the history of science and cutting-edge physics, all with a very serious purpose: to find the long-overlooked connection between the conscious self and the universe around us.” — Corey S. Powell, former Editor-in-Chief, Discover Magazine
“This intriguing and provocative book will challenge some of what you know and push you into rethinking your view of science — all the while entertaining you with a fast-paced, exhilarating narrative journey.” — David J. Eicher, Editor-in-Chief, Astronomy magazine
“Lanza and Berman’s latest statement of their theory of “biocentrism” changes the way we think about age-old religious questions such as the origin of the universe and human immortality. Based on cutting edge work in physics and biology and explained with exceptional clarity, Beyond Biocentrism is must reading for anyone interested in science and religion.” — Ronald M Green, Professor Emeritus for the Study of Ethics and Human Values, and former Chairman of the Department of Religion at Dartmouth College
“Beyond Biocentrism delves further into the role of the observer and consciousness. It offers a neurobiological point of view to help answer questions about the world around us. Lanza and Berman make the journey towards a better understanding of the role of consciousness and perception. I liked the book quite a lot! It was a fun read.” — Kwang-Soo Kim, Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, and Director, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, McLean Hospital
In Beyond Biocentrism, stem cell pioneer Robert Lanza, writing with astronomer Bob Berman, presents a lucid tour de force of his thrilling but controversial theory that consciousness creates reality and the cosmos itself. Will machines ever achieve consciousness? Are plants aware? Is death an illusion? These are some of the big questions tackled in Beyond Biocentrism, which serves up a new, biology-based theory of everything that is as delightful to read as it is fascinating. Tremendously clear and lovely writing — a huge achievement. — Pamela Weintraub, Aeon Magazine, and former Executive Editor of Discover Magazine and Editor-in-Chief of OMNI (Internet/Magazine)
FROM OTHER SCIENTISTS AND WRITERS
“Lanza and Berman employ cutting edge science to rediscover ancient truths about life and death and reconceptualize our very notions of reality and consciousness. Beyond Biocentrism is an enlightening and fascinating journey that will forever alter your understanding of your own existence.” — Deepak Chopra, Bestselling Author (heralded by Time magazine as one of the top heroes and icons of the century)
Beyond Biocentrism is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered where modern science (and the weirdness of relativity and quantum mechanics) is going. What does it all mean? Brilliant and insightful. Few books come along in our lives that change the way we see the world. Beyond Biocentrism is such a book.” — Ralph D Levinson MD, Health Sciences Professor, UCLA
“Lanza and Berman take the reader on a remarkable journey, setting out to prove that there is more to life and existence than we have assumed. They present scientific evidence that makes us re-consider everything we’ve thought to be true about the nature of reality. Beyond Biocentrism is a fascinating and thought-provoking “must-read” book that shows us a new way of looking at the universe and ourselves.” — Anthony Atala, MD, W. H. Boyce Professor, Chairman, and Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University
“There are few intellectual endeavors more thrilling than contemplating the role of human consciousness in creating reality and the universe, and Lanza and Berman bring to life the quest for understanding how that can possibly be so. If you know just enough physics to wonder whether the moon is still there when no one is looking at it, and even if you’ve never thought about anything so seemingly preposterous, you’ll have a great time reading Beyond Biocentrism.” — Sharon Begley, Senior Science Writer at Stat, and former Science Editor and Correspondent for Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal, and Reuters
FROM TOP AMAZON ‘VINE VOICE’ REVIEWERS
Eugenia, Amazon VINE VOICE Reviewer
FIVE STARS ‒ Book that will change one’s understanding of their own existence
The first thing I must say about this book it that there are not enough stars to describe what a good read this book truly is… I studied physics and can say for myself that I have a mind of a scientist that is (over) loaded with logic. But I am also a yoga teacher and since my father’s death nearly 10 years ago, I have been actively looking for answers about death, immortality and nature of space and time. I read so many books about the topic, I lost count. That was until I came across this book. Authors finally put it all together for me that both my scientific, logical mind and my spiritual mind could put it all together in a manner that it finally all made sense… This book opened my eyes to possibilities that no one has ever presented in such a concise and beautiful way before… it is priceless and I am keeping it as a reference in my library. It has underlining all over the place and I just cannot stop talking about it to everyone I know.
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… there are not enough stars to describe what a good read this book truly is… it is priceless and I am keeping it as a reference in my library. It has underlining all over the place and I just cannot stop talking about it to everyone I know.”
Mike, Amazon VINE VOICE Reviewer
FIVE STARS ‒ Should be required reading
Beyond Biocentrism is another masterpiece by Robert Lanza… This is a great book that can be appreciated regardless of “spiritual” or “religious” backgrounds (or lack thereof) because it doesn’t try to push any of those concepts (nor does it render them bull$h!t either) so those with spiritual or religious beliefs as well as true atheists can still appreciate what is presented here. The fact is, Lanza is just presenting what has been discovered through the scientific process, not preaching any type of doctrine.
Amazon TOP 500 VINE VOICE Reviewer
FIVE STARS ‒ Original and thought provoking
Perhaps the highest praise I can give a book is that it is thought provoking and original…so very few books manage one or the other…this does both quite well. Initially the book sounded intriguing (how could it not?) but I feared it would be filled with a lot of new age feel good ideas that were light on substance and heavy on dogma. The author avoided those traps with ease. Instead, the reader is greeted from the earliest pages of the book with some of the limits on what we know…and don’t know…about the universe, time and space. These are not conspiracy theories not do they attempt to negate science – it is simply a statement about the known limits as currently found in science today. Those form the foundation for what could be possible alternative perspectives held throughout history. Once again, the author does not require the reader to put his/her brain on the shelf in order to engage in a bit of mental gymnastics but rather present a compelling presentation to show why certain ideas were originally adopted and why they fell out of favor. Once the reader has found a footing the real fun begins. While it would be unlikely to agree with everything presented, it would also be a rare reader that didn’t leave with a few new ideas, thoughts or considerations in mind. Very engaging, reader friendly, original and thought provoking.
L.M. Keefer, Amazon TOP 500 VINE VOICE Reviewer
FIVE STARS ‒ Wow!
If the last time you picked up a book on physics you read about string theory, you will be surprised that the physics world has moved on. Biocentrism is a new focus. I never took physics – which my husband reminds me when I hang up his pants incorrectly (he hangs them up now) – but am fascinated by the deep metaphysical questions as to clues to how we are supposed to live our life. What matters? What are the laws governing the universe, and what are their implications for us? This book can be a page-turner if you are interested in those topics. I understood about 80% of it on a first read. It’s narrated in an amusing, let-me-let-you-in-on-the-latest-discoveries-and-what-they-could-mean style. One critic called the style infectious, and that’s an apt description. … Loved this book – very provocative in a good way and quite readable even for folks who don’t understand physics well enough to hang up a pair of pants correctly.
Bibliography :
1) Book of Robert Lanza Biocantrizem Noble Price Winner .... http://www.robertlanza.com/biocentrism-how-life-and-consciousness-are-the-keys-to-understanding-the-true-nature-of-the-universe/
2) Beyond Biocentrism: Rethinking Time, Space, Consciousness, and the Illusion of Death
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