Alexander MarchandThe Universe Is Virtual: Discover the Science of the Future, Where the Emerging Field of Digital Physics Meets Consciousness, Reincarnation, Oneness, and Quantum Forgiveness

I really liked this book and was impressed by it on my first reading of it. Now after reading it through twice, I still really like it, but also am seeing where the content takes a sudden left turn away from the reason I was interested in it. Marchand does a fantastic job of presenting the virtual nature of the universe we know, with a lot of examples of observations to support his line of thought on it, including the double-slit experiment, discussions of relativity, awareness and entropy, and the presentation of the falseness of the idea that reality is truly objective.Then, in the first cell on page 90, the car plunges off the cliff. This is about where, in my opinion, the whole thing starts to go awry. While I find the insight that fear is closely related to time and entropy to be a breakthrough realization (though I wouldn't agree that entropy *is* fear), we are then introduced to the word "love," which to me is almost as meaningless as the word "God." It is stated, "The more entropy, the more fear." (This is a great insight.) And it continues, "Which in turn means, the less entropy, the less fear. Less fear is thus akin to love." Uh-oh. Now I'm lost. To his credit, he goes on to say, "Those terms make understanding entropy visceral rather than simply intellectual." Yes. Good. This is how I've experienced it too, and this really gave me something to contemplate. Also, the idea of making choices as a way to minimize entropy, and that this is just virtual love, also gave me much to contemplate. Although we've turned onto a very different road at this point, away from getting to the bottom of the virtual nature of our *universe*, there is still much to delve into here.Unfortunately, more of the disappointments come along soon after, as it becomes fairly clear that Marchand gets on a soapbox here against fundamentalist Christianity, a path I don't particularly need to re-tread. I went through my own period of euthanizing guard dogmas a long time ago, and found this familiar territory disappointing to be once again revisiting. But okay. I suppose it can be a part of this. Right... Then we face it: "The Truth" with the capital T. "And what is true?" Oh boy, here we go... "Reality is Oneness."Yes, I've been here before too. And yes, I agree, at least that this is true at some level. The trouble is that in this world, we don't live at that level. Non-oneness is apparently real enough for very, very many of us. Saying "I deny it" until I'm blue in the face won't necessarily make it all go away. And here we also come face to face with the enormity of the influence of A Course in Miracles on this book, another huge disappointment.Yes, *you* are the one that gives meaning to this life, and *you* are the only other thing at the end of the simplification of all things that is differentiated from or discernable from all that is. "Virtual reality is not oneness. Thus, oneness makes sure virtual realities can never be real. Because if they were real, oneness would not be oneness." Okay, wait. Really? Why? How do we know this? And now, "Mind is what seemingly split to make this virtual reality in which we think we live." And, "Oneness is pure mind." Again, wait - why is it mind? What mind? I know - as the saying goes, all is mind. Well, how do we know this? What is mind, whose it is, and where did it come from?I'm still left with very big questions. And another realization: apparently, according to what I'm noticing here, the Flower of Life = Entropic Virtual Reality. Chew on that one for a bit, and I welcome a discussion here of what I've been saying.Before I go, I must also make note of a couple of other pearls in the book. One is the notion that reducing fear heals us. Along with that is this mind-blowingly profound line: "Having a body is a placebo that reduces fear of what resides within one's own consciousness." And the quantum eraser, that erases fear, that you're using when you cease giving meaning to symbols of fear that appear in your experience. This is huge.Please comment if you can contribute to what has been said.2021 P.S. - I see that at some point, Amazon has removed the comment option, so we cannot discuss this. How sad.

This is a truly mind-bending book by Alexander Marchand, who is a master at translating complex ideas into comics with cleverness and humor.When I first heard the idea proposed that "we're living in a simulation," I thought it was ridiculous. A simulation created by who?--aliens or future humans? It simply punts on the mystery of life. But Marchand's book and others argue that the universe is a simulation created by the universal soul or consciousness; we are each fragments of that consciousness, spiritual beings having a physical experience. That's in line with the insights of mystics through the ages.I did have some questions/disagreements mainly towards the end of the book, but that doesn't stop me from recommending it as a well-done book that will challenge you to consider new perspectives.The book is larger than I expected, with a full-color interior (unlike the author's "The Universe Is a Dream" which I previously read--that's why this one costs more), so I'm including a couple photos.

Once again, Alexander Marchand has managed to publish a work that is compelling, informative and entertaining all at once. As much as I enjoy his prior work, he manages to top his work with each new books he apparently self publishes. I don't know if other readers realize this, but to create a work that manages to be so philosophical, engaging, entertaining and just plain enjoyable is no small feat. And he illustrates his own work on top of that.This particular work is not so much in a story format, but more of a text book type of format. Sorry to say that Zadeekee is not along for the ride in this book, her fans will have to wait until further notice for her next appearance. But it is still worth it.As with his other books, this one falls in line with ACIM, but even if you don't partake, they still stand on their own as a unique and interesting read. I know when I start one of his books, I have a ticket to a really interesting and new adventure, and I get to encounter a perspective that I haven't experienced before.Aside from the ACIM dynamic, I can't help but think that Marchand is in a sense a linguist of sorts, and he is breaking the code of how The Universe (or the illusion as the ACIM folks like to think of it) works. I have been interested in the language of how The Universe communicates, I am drawn to that sort of information and Marchand's books seem to satisfy that in me.

I came to a study of A Course in Miracles through my interest in Quantum Physics. All we are is light energy arranged to appear as solid matter. The ACIM makes it clear why that is but Marchand breaks it down for lay-people such as myself. Most of what I know on the subject came from the NYTimes thursday science section, which ran an article back around 1988 stating that the universe appears to be a projection of one mind that controls reality as we seem to experience it . ACIM explained who and why to my satisfaction. This book, in graphic form, is very entertaining but ground breaking as well. Yes science does need to change a few paradigns if it ever expects to describe our virtual reality. Easy to read but challenges everything we think we know.

First half of the book is very good. Second half and conclusion is a bit strange...

Un libro indispensable para aquellos que honestamente buscan comprender al universo y a sí mismos. Este libro, bien comprendido, puede ser la llave de salida del mundo que a simple vista nos parece tan real.

It's so refreshing to read something that corresponds with theories you have yourself. I felt this way when I read A Course in Miracles for the first time (or a large part of it). Being based upon ACIM, this book grabbed me from the start and I could easily understand the theories and message Alexander was trying to convey. Not only that, he introduces mathematical allegories and other simple analogies which hadn't even entered my mind.This book delivers gnosis in the most fun and entertaining way possible. Even adults appreciate a comic, especially when it executed with such effective wit. I was literally laughing aloud whilst reading this in the garden much to the confusion of my neighbours.In short, if you are interested in theology, or at least interested in questioning our existence here in this thing we call 'the universe', this book won't disappoint. It discusses at length the importance of recognising the fault of the ego mind, the power of true forgiveness (within a world of ultimate falsehood) and the principle of oneness. If that sounds all too Biblical or monk-like to you, buy the book and I have no doubt you'll surprise yourself!I feel that it's publications like this which are most effective in delivering such valuable principles, rather than text which speak only in metaphors which are often readily cast to the wayside.I went on to buy this after reading 'The Universe is a Dream'. I've now purchased 'Revelations from the Holy Planet - Book 1'. Both brilliant!Totally recommended!

The last part wasn't expected. So very much surprised for good. As myself I have been in a state of know nothing, In a state of oneness and in a state of low entropy (killing the high entropy). This was the best because I feeled so alive. But now I think oneness is the best because in the other you end diyng. Haahahahahahahha.And with no knowing life was so miserable. You don't know how. Without knowing or a conscience of my consciencia life was... miserable and wss mentally ill I couldn't communicate with girls! But that was because Abilify I believe, because Abilify killed my conscience. But I was going me after all. I. And, with conscience. Only that a one with a lot of fear. Maybe was that. A lot of fear. Not knowing anything. A los of uncertainty.Then became the girl. The sex WITHOUT condom. And the low entropy. Now is onesness and is great. Like a jedi. Hehehehe.Glad to you Alexander no make this book. Thanks!!!

I think this is an excellent book simply because I agree with its message. To appreciate its message one should have a good knowledge of science. I DON’t and miss out on the power of the author’s progression to the conclusion that we live in a Virtual Universe. Real Reality is hidden by the illusion that we live in the dream of a virtual universe.Clifford Strong.