War of the Worldviews: Science Vs. Spirituality

I'm not sure what I was thinking when I bought this book, maybe a chance to hear some new perspective on big questions.

I left this one feeling disappointed on both sides, Mlodinow for not putting the hammer down harder, and Chopra for dwelling on his straw man arguments and offering up the incessant lists. When Chopra starts on a list, he really loses me, the book is no longer about world view, its a textbook for his brand of snake oil.

Chopra also falls into the trap of arguing against himself repeatedly throughout, using examples that clearly illustrate Leonard's point, then twisting them around to support magical thoughts that are clearly unrelated.

Mlodinow does too much floating around, it seemed like he doesn't want to really tear down Chopra's arguments as directly as Chopra does his. Maybe to keep the book moving along?

Mlodinow often rushes his reading, and Chopra's often wanders into a droning attempt at hypnotism, as far as I can tell.

It's not terrible, it was interesting to hear another point of view from where I stand, I just expected a little more from both sides.

Civil, Informed, Debate

Absolutely worth the listen.

This isnt a book to convince you one way or the other, but to give insight into the opposing views and perhaps to give some understanding about those who do not share your views.

Deepak Chopra actually made a good argument for consciousness preceding matter, using Quantum Theory as support. This was unexpected and very welcome to hear because I was assuming that Mlodinow was going to "wipe the floor" with Chopra.

In contrast, I thought that Leonard Mlodinow only had a few good moments. He spent most of his time decrying the notion of a deity, even though Chopra did the exact same thing in his argument. Even more damning was Mlodinow's insistence on experimental proof, except, conveniently, where we are technologically incapable of experimentation in regards to several key concepts in physics.In other words, throw this theory out, but keep this other one, even though neither can be proven and both are accepted by different parts of the scientific community. Overall, Mlodinow only supports a few of his points with evidence. The rest is conjecture.

When Chopra stated that religion has failed human civilization, and that spirituality requires one to embrace science.

Thought Chopra made an excellent argument, and supported it with sound scientific theories and experimental proof.

Thought Mlodinow could have been much better. One shining moment for him was the chapter about physical human brain function near the end of the book.

The NEW discussion about who we are and where we came from.

This book was much better than I expected it to be. I recommend it to anyone interested in science, spirituality, or both.

I would get another book from Leonard Mlodinow.

Getting the different views on the same topics.

No

No, the misuse of words and the ill understanding of the scientific material by Deepak Chopra makes the listening hard.

Leonard Mlodinow stays impressively calm, I liked that.

I liked the back and forth by two leaders in their respective fields.

Deepak Chopra and Leonard Mlodinow

Both respectful of each other's views.

It made me think.

Rather than a one sided viewpoint, the issues were given equal time by both a spiritualist and a scientist. Very entertaining and thought provoking. It was also refreshing to hear Deepak Chopra agree with the evolution and genetics and other scientific knowledge rather than speaking of literal interpretations of ancient texts.

I saw Leonard Mlodinow's name and expected a book with a content of corresponding quality. I didn't knew who is Deepak Chopra and that was the biggest mistake. The book is more like the conversation of a science advocate with lunatic or deliberate charlatan. So you will find not much of interesting science.

Seems like Mlodinow tryed to adjust for lower standarts in argumentation, so he didn't did his best. Chopra is a mistery for me - he makes so much logical mistakes with such a pathos, that I was forced to skip much of his part eventually. I've honestly tryed to follow his logic, but seems he do not use it at all.

Do not buy this book if you are interesting in:

* why people believe in dumb things
* spirituality from a rational point of view
* new science frontiers, religion, hapiness, etc.

Buy this book if you are interesting in:

* additional works of Leonard Mlodinow