Quantum Physics for Hippies

This is an unusual book; rather than an academic dive into the complexities of the quantum world, it is an extended dialogue between two characters in a pub. It does explore the basics of Quantum physics and the experiments it is based on in a very unusual way - a novel and fairly easy way to approach the subject, while stressing that while it is an attempt to understand the fundamentals of physical existence which gets weirder the closer you look, and it throws in a bit of pub-inspied psychology. Worth a read: I will return to it periodically to refresh my own understanding (or genuine lack thereof).

I really thought I had been taken when I waded through the first few pages of "Quantum Physics for Hippies." To a card-carrying former hippie, they read like a touchy-feely, dumpster-fire, conspiracy-theory vanity book. However, Dr. Lukas Neumeier and Dr. James Douglas (with a big boost from illustrator Jun Matsuura) quickly slapped me upside the head with their dry wit, genuine wisdom and the incredibly relatable way in which they presented the basics and beyond of quantum theory. As a bonus, they threw in a pretty complete summary of the role of consciousness in existence. As a layperson who is doing research at MIT for a sci-fi novel in which quantum physics plays a role, I can vouch that you would be hard-pressed to find as an accurate, entertaining, gritty (yes, gritty) and sometimes profound introduction to the universe(s) in which we maybe live. The names Alice and Bob were a nice touch. The literary device the authors use---of two "strangers" who meet randomly---was hippiesque to the max. I'm not sure how the accurate content could have been handled better, unless more graphic sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll were added to the drinking. I was completely surprised when the ending veered into sci-fi territory, but again, I congratulate the authors for pulling it off against some stiff competition in that genre. For sci-fi fans, this is a great reality check. Literally. Scientific fact, in this case, is stranger than fiction. For everyone else, "Quantum Physics for Hippies" is an entertaining, immersive way to really learn more, a lot more, about what is or what may not be around us. Well done, doctors et al.

"Quantum Physics for Hippies" offers a unique and accessible exploration of complex concepts, blending the spiritual and scientific realms. Author's engaging writing style bridges the gap between quantum mechanics and holistic philosophy, making it an intriguing read for those seeking a cosmic perspective. While some may find the blend unconventional, the book successfully sparks curiosity and encourages readers to contemplate the interconnectedness of the universe. A one star hit for the silly sexual thread.

I liked the explanations. The insight that the quantum universe is one unitary possibility wave until interacted with (observed) and the long explanation of Shroedinger's cat were quite clarifying. The codger in me was somewhat irritated by the sexual tension betwee the protagonists, the dead kid subplot, and Bob's internal dialogues. But to Dr. Neumeier's credit, he did pull all that together neatly. And the term "quantum woo," for all its currency among physicists, seems unnecessarily dismissive. I think perhaps as understanding of quantum physics grows that term may well become less relevant.Dr. Neumeier, I look forward to reading your non-fiction book.Finally, two questions:First, do multiple universes imply multiple eternities?Second, where's "Buddhism for Quantum Physicists"?

There is some good stuff in here, especially the discussion of the Schrodinger equation, parallel universes and consciousness.But the format of the discussion between Alice and Bob in a bar became so tedious after a while as they downed drink after drink. It just seemed unnecessary. That together with some sexual references make this book totally inappropriate for children which is a shame because the discussion format and illustrations might be engaging for them.Reads like it was written by a couple of drunk graduate physics students, bumming around Barcelona for the summer.Grade B-

I'm an avid reader of reviews, but never leave them. No reason except I'm lazy. When I finished this book I instantly looked to see if the author had written anything else. I was really bummed to see this was the only book they'd written so far and felt I had to leave a review. This book was so fun, from beginning to end. I learned some things, chuckled and was thoroughly entertained. It was simple enough to understand that even a person new to physics could comprehend. I immediately mailed it to one of my friends to read just so I'd be able to talk about it with someone lol