Today, quantum information theory is among the most exciting scientific frontiers, attracting billions of dollars in funding and thousands of talented researchers. But as MIT physicist and historian David Kaiser reveals, this cutting-edge field has a surprisingly psychedelic past. How the Hippies Saved Physics introduces us to a band of freewheeling physicists who defied the imperative to “shut up and calculate” and helped to rejuvenate modern physics.

In recent years, the field of quantum information science-an amalgam of topics ranging from quantum encryption, to quantum computing, quantum teleportation, and more-has catapulted to the cutting edge of physics, sporting a multi-billion-dollar research program, tens of thousands of published research articles, and a variety of device prototypes. This tremendous excitement marks the tail end of a long-simmering Cinderella story.

For physicists, the 1970s were a time of stagnation. Jobs became scarce, and conformity was encouraged, sometimes stifling exploration of the mysteries of the physical world. Dissatisfied, underemployed, and eternally curious, an eccentric group of physicists in Berkeley, California, banded together to throw off the constraints of the physics mainstream and explore the wilder side of science. Dubbing themselves the “Fundamental Fysiks Group,” they pursued an audacious, speculative approach to physics. They studied quantum entanglement and Bell’s Theorem through the lens of Eastern mysticism and psychic mind-reading, discussing the latest research while lounging in hot tubs. Some even dabbled with LSD to enhance their creativity. Unlikely as it may seem, these iconoclasts spun modern physics in a new direction, forcing mainstream physicists to pay attention to the strange but exciting underpinnings of quantum theory.

Long before the big budgets and dedicated teams, the field smoldered on the scientific sidelines. In fact, the field’s recent breakthroughs derive, in part, from the hazy, bong-filled excesses of the 1970s New Age movement. Many of the ideas that now occupy the core of quantum information science once found their home amid an anything-goes counterculture frenzy, a mishmash of spoon-bending psychics, Eastern mysticism, LSD trips, CIA spooks chasing mind-reading dreams, and comparable “Age of Aquarius” enthusiasms.

Sounds like a fun book that tells the story of the time period when Dr. Goswami started his experimentation with these topics that today are shaking the world!

Get it at Amazon

The Quantum Activist will be screening at an amazing event September 2 & 3, 2009 celebrating oneness and initiating global transformation.

This Quantum Dialogue launches a series of events culminating in the Power of One 10.10.10 gathering on the Mall in Washington, D.C. and at sites around the world on October 10, 2010. Each dialogue will bring together distinguished panelists, speakers, and invited participants to share visions, perspectives, and ideas leading to Quantum Actions. These actions are intended to empower and support conscious human development and co‐create solutions to the world’s greatest challenges.

This quantum panel includes:

• Dr. Amit Goswami
• Swami Veda Bharati
• Harriet Fulbright
• Congressman Dennis Kucinich
• Claes Nobel

www.powerofone101010.org

Event Information

• Date: Wednesday, September 2nd 2009 - Time: 7:30pm
• Venue: The House of Sweden
• Address: 2900 K Street NW- Click for Google Map
• Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal

This excellent film takes up where “The Secret” & “What the Bleep Do We Know?”  left off. If you’ve been wondering why, despite your best intentions, you haven’t manifested a BMW or the winning lottery ticket, then “The Quantum Activist“ will set you straight.

Better yet, this film may jump start the kind of collective leap of consciousness needed for solving the big issues like war, poverty, global warming and the environmental crisis.

Dr. Amit Goswami, a theoretical quantum physicist, has written the textbook for quantum mechanics as well as several other books of a more mystical nature. This film, based in part on Goswami’s lectures, outlines a new view of consciousness, science, God, and what it all means for us. According to Goswami, quantum physics supports or explains how we create from our consciousness, how “intentions” really work, and how we are not separated from each other or from God. As the title implies though, this film goes beyond manifesting a fat paycheck and into the realms of activism. Amit Goswami is looking at the larger picture and hoping for a global shift in consciousness that may be the next step in our evolution.

Goswami guides us through his theories with humor and illustrative stories (math phobics will be reassured as there is no math at all) and leads us to the same conclusion that every great religion has been saying for centuries — that we are all connected. Once we realize that than global change becomes possible. As “The Quantum Activist” illuminates, when we realize that we are all one, then violence becomes unthinkable. If we are all connected to each other and to the earth, than stealing land or resources, or squandering them becomes impossible. We are only damaging ourselves when we damage the earth.

“The Quantum Activist” turns physics into surprisingly good eye candy, and the cinematography is lively. Kudos to Ri Stewart and Renee Slade for great directing, producing and editing.