Arthur Zajonc

Draws on the revolutionary discoveries of modern physics to reveal a universe built on experience and relationship, offering a new foundation for an ethical and spiritual life. For centuries, science and spirituality have been viewed as irreconcilable. For the physicist Arthur Zajonc, this conflict is based on a profound misunderstanding. The true obstacle is not science itself but its entanglement with scientific materialism—a philosophy that, Zajonc argues, has been dismantled by the very discoveries of twentieth-century physics. In Thinking Beyond Materialism, Zajonc takes the reader on a journey through the implications of relativity and quantum mechanics, revealing a universe built not on inert matter but on the inner dimensions of human experience, relationship, and a productive, existential ambiguity. Drawing on his dual expertise as a physicist and meditation teacher, and his pioneering work with the Mind & Life Institute and the Dalai Lama, Zajonc charts a path toward a new worldview. The result is a "contemplative manifesto" that moves beyond outdated dogmas, proposing a science that befriends subjectivity, embraces holism, and rediscovers a firm foundation for an ethical and spiritual life.

Draws on the revolutionary discoveries of modern physics to reveal a universe built on experience and relationship, offering a new foundation for an ethical and spiritual life. For centuries, science and spirituality have been viewed as irreconcilable. For the physicist Arthur Zajonc, this conflict is based on a profound misunderstanding. The true obstacle is not science itself but its entanglement with scientific materialism—a philosophy that, Zajonc argues, has been dismantled by the very discoveries of twentieth-century physics. In Thinking Beyond Materialism, Zajonc takes the reader on a journey through the implications of relativity and quantum mechanics, revealing a universe built not on inert matter but on the inner dimensions of human experience, relationship, and a productive, existential ambiguity. Drawing on his dual expertise as a physicist and meditation teacher, and his pioneering work with the Mind & Life Institute and the Dalai Lama, Zajonc charts a path toward a new worldview. The result is a "contemplative manifesto" that moves beyond outdated dogmas, proposing a science that befriends subjectivity, embraces holism, and rediscovers a firm foundation for an ethical and spiritual life.

Colour is everywhere. From blue skies to red sunsets, from the first flowers in spring to the blazing leaves of autumn. But what is the nature of colour? Scientific books present a variety of mechanical explanations but this approach leaves colour as a whole unexplained. In the nineteenth century, the German poet and scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe investigated a wide range of colour phenomena and discovered the underlying principles that govern colour itself. This lavishly illustrated book brings Goethe's pioneering research up to date. Through descriptions of simple observations and ingenious experiments, the reader will discover a series of colour phenomena that includes afterimages, coloured shadows, colour mixing, and prismatic and polarisation colours. Seeing Colour is a thought-provoking read for colour enthusiasts and experts alike, and an accessible route to a new way of seeing colour.

A call to advance integrative teaching and learning in higher education. From Parker Palmer, best-selling author of The Courage to Teach, and Arthur Zajonc, professor of physics at Amherst College and director of the academic program of the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, comes this call to revisit the roots and reclaim the vision of higher education. The Heart of Higher Education proposes an approach to teaching and learning that honors the whole human being—mind, heart, and spirit—an essential integration if we hope to address the complex issues of our time. The book offers a rich interplay of analysis, theory, and proposals for action from two educators and writers who have contributed to developing the field of integrative education over the past few decades. Presents Parker Palmer’s powerful response to critics of holistic learning and Arthur Zajonc’s elucidation of the relationship between science, the humanities, and the contemplative traditions Explores ways to take steps toward making colleges and universities places that awaken the deepest potential in students, faculty, and staff Offers a practical approach to fostering renewal in higher education through collegiality and conversation The Heart of Higher Education is for all who are new to the field of holistic education, all who want to deepen their understanding of its challenges, and all who want to practice and promote this vital approach to teaching and learning on their campuses.

In Meditation as Contemplative Inquiry, Arthur Zajonc offers an overview of the meditative life, weaving practical instruction together with the guidance and inspiration of the world?s great teachers, from Rudolf Steiner to Rumi, and from Goethe to the sages of Asia. Zajonc reminds us that an ethic of humility grounds all practice, and that care of the soul is the basis for sound spiritual reflection and understanding. The author carefully describes each stage of the path and includes many recommended practices. Meditation as Contemplative Inquiry is the fruit of many years of personal practice and teaching. Arthur Zajonc has worked with hundreds of university students and professors, as well as with contemplative groups in the US, Europe, and Australia.

Arthur Zajonc beschreibt die gemeinsame Geschichte von Licht und Bewusstsein - ein erzählendes Sachbuch, voller Gedankenblitze, überraschender Geschichten, frappierender Einsichten und Poesie. Aus dem Inhalt: - Das Licht der Natur und das Licht des Bewusstseins - Die Gabe des Lichts - Geteiltes Licht - göttliches Licht und optische Wissenschaft - Die Anatomie des Lichts - Die singende Flamme - Licht als Ätherwelle - Strahlungsfelder - Sehen mit dem Licht der Elektrizität - Das Tor des Regenbogens - Licht sehen - Wissenschaft beseelen: Goethe und Steiner - Vom Kerzenlicht zur Quantenphysik - Von der Relativität und dem Schönen - Kleinste Lichteinheiten - eine moderne Sicht ? Das Buch ist außergewöhnlich, eine umfassende Auseinandersetzung mit einfach allem, was Menschen seit drei Jahrtausenden über Licht und Sehen gedacht haben. Es beschreibt, vereint und kontrastiert Erkenntnisse von Physik, Psychologie, Mathematik und Intuition, von Naturwissenschaft und Kunst und zeigt, dass sie sich ungeachtet ihrer Unterschiede ergänzen. Zajonc bewältigt dieses enorme Unterfangen mit solcher Eleganz, Leichtigkeit und Natürlichkeit, dass man beim Lesen die reinste intellektuelle Wonne und Erregung verspürt.? (Oliver Sacks) ? Da hat ein Wissenschaftler beim Schreiben einmal alle Scheuklappen abgelegt und das Kunststück vollbracht, lyrische Passagen mit spirituellen Gedanken und alles zusammen mit den modernen Erkenntnissen der Quantenphysik zu verknüpfen ... Wer lichte Momente erleben möchte, dem bietet Zajoncs Buch reichlich Gelegenheit.? (Die Zeit) ? Das Buch ist eine glänzende Darstellung des geistigen Aspektes der modernen Physik, die sich aus Vorzeiten bis zu ihrer gegenwärtigen Position entwickelt hat ... Das Ganze ist in einem künstlerischen, weltweit gebildeten Stil geschrieben.? (Prof. Dr. Reinhard Brandt, Die Drei)

`This is a most persuasive book on a most important subject. I recommend it highly.' Saul Bellow With scholarship and clarity, Arthur Zajonc takes us on an epic journey into scientific history. Yet Catching the Light is not just about science; it is a book of ideas that blends science with literature, religion, philosophy, and morality and tries to answer the question that has mystified humanity from pre-history to the present day: what is light?