Nature Loves to Hide

This book explains the implications of quantum physics about the nature of reality, by tracing strands of idealist thought from Plato and Plotinus through Whitehead to modern particle physics. The affinities of particle physics with mysticism have been explored in a number of popular books, but always focussing on Eastern mystical traditions that were essentially unknown to the first generation of quantum physicists, so that connection is ad hoc at best. Malin demonstrates, though, that the early quantum physicists were very familiar with Greek and Hellenistic philosophy, and that several in fact read classical Greek. He shows the strands of continuity from authentically Western mystical traditions, focusing on Plotinus' Enneiads, and lays out the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics in its modern philosophical context.