The Universe Is a Green Dragon: A Cosmic Creation Story

Whenever I read this book I feel like I'm sitting outdoors under the starry night sky by a campfire, listening to two people talk about the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. Within the framework of an imaginary conversation between "Thomas" (based on Thomas Berry) and "Youth" (representing youthful mankind), Brian Swimme's UNIVERSE IS A GREEN DRAGON tells the miraculous story of the vibrant existance of our universe. In masterful storytelling style, Swimme spins a tale so poetic and electrifying that the story inside this book begins to seem much more real than much of the rest of "real life". As Thomas explains to the Youth, "To develop the power of cosmic sensitivity is to understand that to be in reality means dissolving the universe, absorbing it into your new self. To be is to dissolve and draw up, to BE dissolved and drawn up. The universe is a hard yellow candy, to be sucked on and swalled until it dissolves, and, in that moment of dissolution, we emerge. A hardened mind cannot respond to the presence of the moon. The moon's riches cannot be tasted, so the moon can not show itself. The interaction between the rigid person and the universe is superficial, because the sensitivity is dim." I feel invigorated after reading any part of this book... refreshed with a new vision of the true splendour of this enchanted universe.

There is probably no better way to introduce the non-scientist to the philosophical implications of the emerging 'quantum' worldview. As a mathematical cosmologist, Brian understands the details behind the amazing revelations of the 'new physics' and with unique talent weaves a wonderful tale of the complementary meaning we must see in these details. I have used this book as a primary text in courses I have taught in science and society and years later had students recall with great fondness the sense of awe, spirit and personal vision it awakened in them. This is not another work of the nice but limited science-and -religion-are-the-same school, but a truly deep and accessable presentation of the new scientific worldview that combines technical understanding with spiritual meaning. A true gem that educates and inspires hope!

As a supplement to the thoughts of Lonergan, Ursula Franklin, Thomas Aquinas, and Plato, this book serves to put into poetic terms the dance of physics, biology, cognitive thought, creation, evolution, spirituality, psychology, love, life, death, meaning, and essentially everything else this universe holds. It was interesting to see this work done in the matter of the dialogues - it worked for the Greeks for teaching difficult topics. The book holds much more meaning if you have already studied concepts of life, such as those expressed by Lonergan. The reader is really forced to think in a completely different manner in order to understand Swimme's thoughts. You look at everything differently after reading this; you gain a new love of life and in the process become more human. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in life and existence, no matter what your background knowledge is. Best thing out there!