Mysticism and the New Physics (Compass)

Nowhere is the "paradigm shift"-the radical change of perspective that is sweeping the Western world-advancing so rapidly as in physics. Mystics and "idealists" have always propounded the idea that the world is an illusion. Now quantum physics is putting forward theories that reinforce this belief.

Until recently, the empirical approach of physicists such as Newton has taught us that the world exists with or without human consciousness to observe it. But we can never be totally objective about reality. The human mind, with all its preconceived notions and prejudices, always intrudes, even in the most scientific of experiments, making true objectivity impossible to achieve.

The new physicists state that reality is a combination of the laws of the physical world, quantifiable and unequivocal, and the subjective viewpoint of the observer. This "omnijective view" of the universe challenges all our most deeply held scientific beliefs and could radically change the way we view reality in the future. As our constructs are amended to this shift in approach, we can anticipate monumental changes in Western thought.