Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics |  | Author: Gary Zukav Publisher: HarperOne
List Price: $15.99 Buy Used: $3.96 as of 11/21/2009 23:13 CST details You Save: $12.03 (75%)
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Seller: americandiscountbooks Rating: 120 reviews Sales Rank: 23052
Media: Paperback Pages: 416 Number Of Items: 1 Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8 Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.3 x 1.1
ISBN: 0060959681 Dewey Decimal Number: 181 EAN: 9780060959685 ASIN: 0060959681
Publication Date: August 1, 2001 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review At an Esalen Institute meeting in 1976, tai chi master Al Huang said that the Chinese word for physics is Wu Li, "patterns of organic energy." Journalist Gary Zukav and the others present developed the idea of physics as the dance of the Wu Li Masters--the teachers of physical essence. Zukav explains the concept further: The Wu Li Master dances with his student. The Wu Li Master does not teach, but the student learns. The Wu Li Master always begins at the center, the heart of the matter.... This book deals not with knowledge, which is always past tense anyway, but with imagination, which is physics come alive, which is Wu Li.... Most people believe that physicists are explaining the world. Some physicists even believe that, but the Wu Li Masters know that they are only dancing with it. The "new physics" of Zukav's 1979 book comprises quantum theory, particle physics, and relativity. Even as these theories age they haven't percolated all that far into the collective consciousness; they're too far removed from mundane human experience not to need introduction. The Dancing Wu Li Masters remains an engaging, accessible way to meet the most profound and mind-altering insights of 20th-century science. --Mary Ellen Curtin
Product Description
With its unique combination of depth, clarity, and humor that has enchanted millions, this beloved classic by bestselling author Gary Zukav opens the fascinating world of quantum physics to readers with no mathematical or technical background. "Wu Li" is the Chinese phrase for physics. It means"patterns of organic energy," but it also means "nonsense," "my way," "I clutch my ideas," and "enlightenment." These captivating ideas frame Zukav's evocative exploration of quantum mechanics and relativity theory. Delightfully easy to read, The Dancing Wu Li Masters illuminates the compelling powers at the core of all we know.
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 120
A good book, prompt delivery September 12, 2009 Gary Gagne (Charlotte, NC) I read this book in the late 1970's, and after reading it, I felt I was walking on air for days. I just wanted to have it to reread and to share with my children. The book came quickly and was in good shape.
Thanks,
Gary
My favorite book August 20, 2009 C. Hootman (Iowa) This book is my favorite, it really woke me up! I read it back in high school and I pick it up every now and then. It isn't a hard formulaic physics book. It tries to give VALUE and MEANING to the physics, which makes it more of a philosophy book in my opinion...
I honestly wish Zukav would have made a series with this, to help explain all of the newerfangled particle physics theories, but after getting a basic idea from this book- it wouldn't really matter anyway. Just a great, great book.
Rats ... I should have read this 30 years ago! July 17, 2009 Paul Weiss (Dundas, Ontario Canada) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
"Prove that a uniform body with three mutually perpendicular axes of symmetry cannot rotate stably about the axis of intermediate length"
I remember it like it was yesterday. This was a question I faced on a second year classical mechanics exam. I got the question right, by the way. As a matter of fact, I scored a perfect 100% on the entire exam but it bothered me immensely that I should be able to prove something mathematically without having the foggiest inkling as to "why" it should be so at a much more fundamental level.
In fact, it troubled me so deeply that after I received my undergraduate degree in Physics, I declined to pursue any further education in the field and went on to a career in business and finance.
In "The Dancing Wu Li Masters", Gary Zukav has written a superb explanation as to why my lack of understanding was so normal and why I should have embraced that lack of understanding as opposed to running away from it. In very clear prose, completely devoid of the baffling language of mathematical equations, he has written a story for those of us interested in exploring the mind-expanding (nay, mind-blowing) discoveries of modern advanced physics and cosmology -quantum mechanics; black holes; time travel; entanglement; action at a distance; special and general relativity; the nuclear particle zoo; and much, much more.
I reveled in the discovery that even Einstein struggled with the notion that he would never be able to compare his mathematical models with the "real" mechanism. Indeed, he couldn't even imagine the meaning of such a comparison.
A magnificent blend of philosophy, eastern mysticism and modern physics, Zukav's "The Dancing Wu Li Masters" is perhaps best summarized by a single sentence from a New York Times Book Review:
"Stripped of mathematics, physics becomes pure enchantment ... "
While this isn't a book that would likely be accessible to someone without a foot already inside physics' door, it is a breathtaking, joyous revelation to people like myself who have that basic grounding and are looking to increase their knowledge.
What the heck, if I had read this in the 1970s instead of waiting until now ... who knows, my entire life and career path might have been changed.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
One of the classics of New Physics March 2, 2009 Nova137 Great history lesson in the development of modern physics. Gary puts together a picture that allows the reader plenty of time to watch him paint. Stoke by stroke, you are excited to see another stroke (physics giant who played his/her part) and what the final color will be and how the whole will look. This one, unlike Capra's Tao, is heavier on the mathematics and less on the ties to the east.
Received February 25, 2009 Robert J. Estlinbaum (Miami, FL. USA) 0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I got the book right on time and I am in the middle of moving, so when I unpack I'll be able to read it. I got this from a word-of-mouth, and I am sure I will love it.
Thanks.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 120
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