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 Writing.Com Item ID: #1064463
 Title:  Hyperspace -- Michio Kaku
 Item Type: Static Item
 Brief:  My sort of review.
 Last Modified: 01-29-2006 @ 7:12pm
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I finished this book today. My mind is kind of swimming in it all and not focusing on any one idea presented.

I can't speak to the accuaracy of the science. He's my teacher, not my peer or my student. It doesn't sound crazy, so I believe he is accurately depeicting the state of physics as of the time the book was written.

The first time I read about superstrings, I thought it was a wonderful theory. It just "clicks" for me. This may have something to do with Kaku's ability to write clearly. I think it was in his book, Beyond Einstein where I first heard of the theory.

I'm more a metaphysicist than a physicist. (Not that I'm actually either.) I'm always trying to relate physics and religion and philosophy (and psychology and everything else!). A lot of that can be done with superstrings. Kaku addresses some of it. Scientists dismiss some things because they can't be repeated experimentally. Those are often the kinds of things I like to think about.

Some people in the past used the theory of multiple dimensions to explain where heaven was. Until and unless we find that particular dimension, of course the scientists will question it. It's their job (and nature) to question everything. But from the metaphysical point of view, it a very good thing to think about.... even if we don't get the right answer. If we have beliefs, they will definitely influence our conclusions.

This book feeds thoughts like this. Lots of "What if?" ideas come to me, too. I don't know the strict science or the math necessary, but I can think. I believe I have some powers of reasoning. A book like this also helps me keep on track because it tells of the paths that didn't work, the theories that didn't stand up to the experimentation, didn't fit the real world.

I wonder if I'm merely a child of my generation, one which has always seen rapid discovery and changes, or if I'm just one of the wild eyed dreamers of the world.

I like the idea of ten dimensions. I like the idea that those six extra dimensions, which are now curled up to Planck size (tiny!) may possibly, in the very distant future, provide the means of human survival. Assuming, of course, that we survive long enough to discover how to use them. I also like the idea that everything will come together one day and prove all to be inter-related.