The Reflexive Universe: Evolution of Consciousness (Arthur M. Young)

This book’s highly-wrought fiber of ideas weaves a nubbly tapestry of creation (of the physical and biological kingdoms) that illuminates the freedom of photons, the dynasties of atoms and molecules, the phyla of life and the dynamism of consciousness, purpose and myth. First published in 1976, the ideas are timeless and remain fresh. The Reflexive Universe is my favorite example of a science fantasy, where the author (a mathematician and helicopter designer) employs scientific concepts to explore his intuitions, in this case light’s descent into matter and subsequent ascent into consciousness. Though science informs Young’s thesis, this is not really a scientific proof but, rather, an empirically informed speculation about the process of consciousness in nature. It’s a fascinating reading experience even for those without scientific backgrounds: Young meticulously describes fundamental concepts (such as Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle and the Planck constant) in an accessible manner. Some of the spiritual topics that this work approaches through science include the nature of a group soul, the uniqueness of homo sapiens, and the deep significance of myth. His thoughtfully developed argument reaches the conclusion that “the creative aspect of the universe revealed by quantum physics confirms the teachings of myth and revealed religion, and hence fulfills our quest for an integration of science and those nonphysical realities thought to be unverified by science.” It’s a monumental work that conflates scientific and mythopoeic thinking. And it's fun to read!