Catching the Light: The Entwined History of Light and Mind

This is a profoundly insightful, yet remarkably simple, book. The author (a well-credentialed physicist) shows, in non-technical language, how two themes for Light -- light as a physical bridge to science's most profound truths, and light as a symbol for the artistic/ philosophical/ spiritual part of our mind -- have changed as our understandings have changed. Dr Zajonc treats both themes with respect and authority, as he shows how Light gives us a catalyst for Epiphany -- a sudden conscious, mysterious insight into Reality. The author uses Light to show a rigid distinction between science and the spirit is a false dichotomy, because the study of Light shows how firmly science and spirit are rooted in a skillful Imagination. The "Entwined" in the book's subtitle is not a twisting together of opposites, but a weaving of a fundamentally unified entity.And this is a book itself deeply rooted in a productive and beautiful Imagination. You can read, for example, how the legend of the Holy Grail can be an allegory for the growth of scientific understanding, how a spiritual and humble son of an impoverished blacksmith became arguably the most beloved and competent practical scientist of all time, how quantum theory both weakened and reinforced the security of scientific understanding, some ecological implications of that quantum theory, how Goethe considered his scientific insights far superior to his literary ones (and why he may have been correct), and so much more. This well-written, exciting book shows science can be as beautiful as poetry, and full of adventure, beauty, and mystery. Don't miss it if you are at all interested in how science and spirit/art can be compatible after all.

A stupendously wonderful book! If the anomaly exists – poetic scientist – then Mr. Zajonc is its embodiment. This is not just a science book; though in many respects it is that. It is also a history book. Still, it is a well-told story, the main characters being light and mind; though it is hardly fiction.The flavor of chapters and sections are given by quoting esteemed people. Among those quoted are Emily Dickinson, the Egyptian god Ra, Najm Razi, Albert Einstein, Lao-tzu, Milton, St. Paul, Black Elk, John Ruskin, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Goethe, and Augustine. These names alone should help persuade one that this is not another esoteric science book.If you think you understand either light or mind then you must be one of Einstein’s rascals, mentioned at the start of this book. Don’t be a rascal. Read this book!

Good shape and readable.

One of the best books for dreaming a new world into being. If you are curious to discover, already fully accomplished within, the light by which you see, I recommend this book to get you ready.

very cool book. great read for anyone into philosophy, spirituality, consciousness, vision, light, art history, astronomy.

From the first page this book really pulls you in. By far one of my favorite non-fiction books. If you have any fascination with optics and light you will appreciate this book.

A beautiful book, that will change the way you look at light. Poetic, yet full of fascinating information, moving easily among the worlds of science, art, and spirituality.

This is a great book for the study of light and its effect on the human body and consciousness.

Has anybody really understood the nature of light? What is light? Is light really what we have been taught in schools and colleges or is there more which meets the eye? Arthur takes us along a wonderful journey of how men have seen light from the ancient times to our modern views of light. The primal Question asked above still remains unanswered though but the book does push the reader to imaginative realms of light. I did not give it a 5 rating only because the book is incomplete having completely left out Walter Russell. Nevertheless, a book worth reading for those who wish to think.

A hidden gem.