Quantum psychology
how brain software programs you and your world
by Robert Anton Wilson · first published 1990
89% recommend6% neutral6% critical
Why HN recommends it
Playful, thought-provoking guide to how we think, using quantum physics ideas to challenge either/or logic and spot cognitive biases; suits curious readers open to unconventional ideas, ideally after Prometheus Rising.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Throughout human history, values and behaviors have been colored by language and the prevailing view of the universe. With the advent of Quantum Mechanics, relativity, non-Euclidean geometries, non-Aristotelian logic and General Semantics, the scientific view of the world has changed dramatically from just a few decades ago. Nonetheless, human thinking is still deeply rooted in the cosmology of the middle ages. Quantum Psychology is the book to change your way of perceiving yourself--and the universe--for the 21st century. Review: "Wilson managed to reverse every mental polarity in me
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I can recommend all books written by Robert Anton Wilson, especially the Cosmic Trigger series, Quantum Psychology and The New Prometheus. Another book that's definitely worth a read, or two, is "The Goal", which teaches you how to think goal-oriented while not being a bore to read.
on “Ask HN: Life Changing Books?” ↗Seriously Robert Anton Wilson's books changed the way I look at the world. I started with "Prometheus Rising" and followed that with "Quantum Psychology." Honestly the two best books I've ever read (Ishmael by Daniel Quinn is close).
on “English-Prime - English without "is"” ↗Wilson doesn't claim any certainty about some "Quantum Psychology". You're projecting, constructing a STRAW MAN and tearing him down. If you want to cite something specific, then do so, otherwise, please stop talking. I've enjoyed your other comments, especially about…
on “Quantum Psychology & The Word "Is": Better Living Through Improved Diction” ↗You might enjoy a book called Quantum Psychology (Robert Anton Wilson). He lays out some interesting concepts about the way we think and one thought experiment in particular, observing all the 'thinkers' within and how they can multiply at will i.e…
on “Chekhov: “Cultured people must, in my opinion, satisfy the following conditions”” ↗…exactly the flavor of the decade. And arguing about stuff is good, too! And yep, Wilson was the real deal. His work had also been a huge influence on me at the time that I met him. I still evangelize Quantum Psychology to anyone who I think can handle it.
on “The dark legacy of Carlos Castaneda (2007)” ↗Hey, did you ever read Robert Anton Wilson's "Quantum Psychology"? I could be off-base but I think you'd really like it.
on “The war on disinformation is a war on dissent” ↗All books from Robert Anton Wilson, but especially the Cosmic Trigger series and Quantum Psychology. Also: The Goal. If you're intellectually capable, they're life changing. If you're more for leasure, consider reading the longest running science fiction series in history: Perry Rhodan. It's been…
on “Ask HN: What Books Do You Recommend Reading for 2022?” ↗…I'm just so excited for it to be nice out I misperceive the grey. Even though I can think of alternative possibilities, I can still act on the strong maybe that the sky seems blue to me. I have found "Quantum Psychology" by Robert Anton Wilson contains many valuable insights into changing your pattern of thinking to remove the certainty antiquated notions of science and use of the verb "to be" incorrectly force into…
on “The Certainty Bias: A Potentially Dangerous Mental Flaw” ↗Make sure to read up on Robert Anton Wilson, the guy who defined it as such. His books are especially enlightening. Prometheus Rising and Quantum Psychology are my favorites. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Anton_Wilson
on “Semmelweis reflex” ↗Fiction: 'Anna Karenina' & 'War and Peace' by L. Tolstoy. Non-fiction: 'Quantum Psychology' by R.A. Wilson.
on “Ask HN: What is the most mind blowing book you've ever read?” ↗Robert Anton Wilson in his book "Quantum Psychology" makes a strong case that we observe quantum effects at the macro-scale all the time. He's not a physicist but his understanding of Quantum Mechanics is not "hand-wavey". (A change in brain state is…
on “How Nature Solves Problems Through Computation” ↗If you can get over the hyperbolic title and terrible cartoons, Robert Anton Wilson's quantum Psychology is a more thoughtful and amusing guide to spotting and overcoming cognitive biases - though like all guides it should be subjected to critical assessment in turn.
on “Another Lens – A research tool for conscientious creatives” ↗I long for voice, for playful humor, for that je ne sais quoi of good writing! Robert Anton Wilson wrote a marvelous book called Quantum Psychology, where he uses the insights of quantum physics to upend the prevailing Aristotelian view of is / is not logic in psychology and in scientific thinking generally. It was a genuine pleasure to read, as…
on “The Bus Ticket Theory of Genius” ↗Robert Anton Wilson: Cosmic Trigger and Quantum Psychology Isaac Asimov: Beginnings Alex Garland: The Beach Buddha: The Dhammapada
on “Ask HN: Which books did you read at least twice?” ↗Quantum Psychology, Robert Anton Wilson Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins
on “Ask HN: Please name two of your most favorite books.” ↗