The Dancing WuLi Masters: Fact or Fiction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the book "The Dancing WuLi Masters" by Gary Zukav, which is viewed as a mixed-quality popularization of physics. Participants express that while the book contains some new age elements, it is not entirely devoid of value. Comparisons are made to Richard Feynman's "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter," which is recommended as a superior alternative for understanding physics. The conversation highlights the variability in the quality of science popularizations and suggests caution in relying on them for factual learning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of popular science literature
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts
  • Knowledge of Richard Feynman's works
  • Ability to critically evaluate scientific claims
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Richard Feynman's "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter"
  • Explore critiques of "The Dancing WuLi Masters" and "The Tao of Physics"
  • Investigate the impact of popular science on public understanding of physics
  • Analyze the characteristics of effective science communication
USEFUL FOR

Readers interested in the intersection of science and literature, including students, educators, and anyone evaluating the credibility of popular science books.

A AM ARYA
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What do you think about the book "The Dancing WuLi Masters" by Gary Zukav?
I got this book from library and found it very interesting due to the simple illustrations(which I think is very good for a layman like me),but when I googled it I found some criticisms by the physicists regarding this book and also another book "The Tao Of Physics": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tao_of_Physics#Acclaim_and_criticism
That's why I am confused...
Is it factually correct??
Should I continue reading the book or not?
 
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I haven't read it, but here's a review I found pretty quickly: http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev120.htm
 
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A AM ARYA said:
Should I continue reading the book or not?

Sure, so long as you don't think you'll learn any physics from it,
 
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Popularisations are quite variable - some like Feynman's QED - The Strange Theory Of Light And Matter are excellent while others like - What The Bleep Do We Know Anyway is basically new age drivel trying to justify obvious rot like the Secret. The Dancing WuLi Masters IMHO is about the middle of that spectrum - it has a few aspects of new age gibberish - but overall not too bad.

Feynman's book is much much better at that level IMHO.

Thanks
Bill
 
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Drakkith said:
I haven't read it, but here's a review I found pretty quickly: http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev120.htm
Thanks! I found it very helpful...
 
bhobba said:
Popularisations are quite variable - some like Feynman's QED - The Strange Theory Of Light And Matter are excellent while others like - What The Bleep Do We Know Anyway is basically new age drivel trying to justify obvious rot like the Secret. The Dancing WuLi Masters IMHO is about the middle of that spectrum - it has a few aspects of new age gibberish - but overall not too bad.

Feynman's book is much much better at that level IMHO.

Thanks
Bill
Thanks Mr.Bill for your suggestion.I'll read Feynman's book...
 
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