The Cosma Hypothesis: Implications of the Overview Effect

Author Frank White graduated from Harvard and from Oxford University with highest honors and has become a leading thinker and advocate on the topic of space exploration and its impact on human thought and society. He has also co-founded the Overview Institute and Earth Rider project – both created to communicate the nature and psychosocial impact of the space experience to the space community and the general public.Attempts to describe the impact of reading this important book can never equal the mind opening experience of reading the philosophy and theories presented: the volume is both challenging and deeply moving in the manner in which the author places his thoughts before us. In a Foreword by Dylan Taylor the book’s role is well stated: ‘In THE COSMA HYPOTHESIS, Frank extends and expands his thought leadership on human consciousness, on the nature of the overview systems (and how they may scale), and on the fundamental questions for our species and for Cosma. From there, he goes on to give a robust description of his thoughts on the “Human Space Program,’ a comprehensive and holistic roadmap for exploring and settling the solar system based on the Cosma Hypothesis. The program describes how humanity can both prepare for going to the stars but also how that expansion can benefit the universe as well as humanity, taking place with a maximum chance for success and impact.’The ‘Cosma’ is defined as “the universe is a living information system, composed of interconnected information systems serving as subsystems of the whole." At each level, there is an order and organization pattern that is different and yet common to all these ‘infosystems’ “What follows is an exploration of this hypothesis in a manner that includes interviews with astronauts whose responses to being in space, looking back at our planet, are quietly but deeply meaningful. This is a book that challenges us to reevaluate just about everything – and in doing so enter the realm of infinite possibilities. This is a must read book! Grady Harp, April 19

It would be a paramount task to try to summarize or describe The Cosma Hypothesis. The depth of the information, the testimonies recollected from Astronauts and the mind-blowing definitions of concepts, proposed by White are truly brilliant.I’ll be honest, The Cosma Hypothesis is overwhelming to read, not because of the language, the tone or the flow, but due to the subject itself. If you find yourself pondering questions such as: “What role does humanity play in the Universe” “Does the universe has a conscience?” “Does the Universe care for humanity?” I liked the way the author supports his claims, without dismissing other people’s beliefs or theories.The Cosma Hypothesis, written by Harvard graduate Frank White, encompasses fascinating testimonies, which by themselves make it worth the read. Top-notch.

Cosma Hypothesis: Implication of the Overview Effect by Frank White is a fascinating and exhilarting journey that stimulates and expands the possible compact thinking of the reader's mind.Specifically, the author methodically and logically, asserts that we are all interconnected. This interconnection is not only a reality and experience on our individual planet, but at the level of the Universe itself. The author further asserts this is due to the fact that we are born out of the creation of the Universe and that we, as human beings, are mirrors of the Universe.Therefore, because humanity is vibrant, evolving, alive and energetic so is the Universe in which we live and are part of.The book is extremely well-written, deep, stimulating and will challenge the reader to think beyond themselves and possibly confront traditional thinking.He does not debunk any theories of creation, but simply invites the reader on an all inclusive journey that allows expanded thinking and various beliefs.Additionally, he supports his hypothesis based on the life-changing experiences of astronauts.Cosma Hypothesis: Implication of the Overview Effect by Frank White is not a light read. However, if the reader enjoys science and has ever wondered about their purpose, on a larger scale, this book will certainly enhance and stimulate that quest.

“The Cosma Hypothesis” is a book that was in the making for over 30 years. This book is about Frank White’s focus on the importance of developing a space philosophy that governments and corporations should look into. Over the past decades space exploration has grown immensely in terms of interest from different countries and also in terms of monetary investments. Frank White believes that it is now more important than ever before that governments and corporations should strive to create a symbiotic relationship with the universe and not just focusing on how the universe can benefit us.The book draws on interviews with astronauts and readers get to understand the first-hand experience from those who had the privilege and unique life experience of space exploration.This book is intriguing, interesting, and thought-provoking. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in astronomical sciences and how humans play a part in this immense universe.

Good read