War of the Worldviews

Science Vs. Spirituality

By: Deepak Chopra M.D., Leonard Mlodinow

Narrated by: Deepak Chopra M.D., Leonard Mlodinow

Two bestselling authors first met in a televised Caltech debate on “the future of God,” one an articulate advocate for spirituality, the other a prominent physicist. This remarkable book is the product of that serendipitous encounter and the contentious—but respectful—clash of worldviews that grew along with their friendship.

In War of the Worldviews these two great thinkers battle over the cosmos, evolution and life, the human brain, and God, probing the fundamental questions that define the human experience.

How did the universe emerge?
What is the nature of time?
What is life?
Did Darwin go wrong?
What makes us human?
What is the connection between mind and brain?
Is God an illusion?

This extraordinary book will fascinate millions of readers of science and spirituality alike, as well as anyone who has ever asked themselves, What does it mean that I am alive?

Science on the defense

Any additional comments?

I would have enjoyed this book more if Leonard hadn't been so defensive and demeaning toward Deepak. He seemed threatened by Deepak and used sophomoric analogies to, I assume, put Deepak in his place, which is somewhere on the order of a silly child. I think Deepak and his views seem to have hit a source of insecurity with Leonard, which is too bad, because his case would have been stronger and more interesting if he simply presented his good knowledge of his field.

Be aware of Chopra, half of the book is awful

I saw Leonard Mlodinow's name and expected a book with a content of corresponding quality. I didn't knew who is Deepak Chopra and that was the biggest mistake. The book is more like the conversation of a science advocate with lunatic or deliberate charlatan. So you will find not much of interesting science.

Seems like Mlodinow tryed to adjust for lower standarts in argumentation, so he didn't did his best. Chopra is a mistery for me - he makes so much logical mistakes with such a pathos, that I was forced to skip much of his part eventually. I've honestly tryed to follow his logic, but seems he do not use it at all.

Do not buy this book if you are interesting in:

* why people believe in dumb things
* spirituality from a rational point of view
* new science frontiers, religion, hapiness, etc.

Buy this book if you are interesting in:

* additional works of Leonard Mlodinow

An entertaining debate

The book is curiously entertaining, though Deepak's half is overwhelmingly fallacy-ridden.
But Mlodinow's words make it worth.

Deepak is AWESOME! Other guy can't see the forest.

Deepak is AWESOME! Other guy can't see the forest from the trees. GREAT audiobook.

Not a typical book

I am glad that such a book exists. Usually one reads about something without direct counter-arguments. This way, although also not ideal, one can see two world views explaining same topics and even addressing each other's arguments.
As both authors are also the narrators, this audiobook is much more valuable for me. None of the narrators is probably the best you can listen to, but this way it is much more enjoyable anyway.