Morphic Resonance (Book Review)
The Nature of Formative Causation Paperback – September 9, 2009 by Rupert Sheldrake
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"Morphic Resonance" by Rupert Sheldrake introduces an intriguing and controversial theory about the nature of life and learning in the natural world. Sheldrake's hypothesis, termed "morphic resonance," suggests that natural systems, such as biological organisms, social groups, and even habits, inherit a collective memory from all previous things of their kind. According to Sheldrake, this collective memory influences the structure and behavior of subsequent generations of organisms through non-physical, morphic fields.
The book explores how these morphic fields can explain longstanding mysteries in biology such as inheritance, habits, and even the puzzling similarities between organisms that have no apparent common genetic background. Sheldrake argues that genes alone cannot explain inheritance fully; morphic resonance adds a new layer of understanding by proposing that organisms tune into previous behaviors through these fields, influencing development and behavior without direct genetic transmission.
Sheldrake uses various examples to illustrate his theory. One significant example is the development of the instincts in animals, which seem to arise not just from direct genetic inheritance but also from a type of invisible interconnection between members of a species, even over vast distances. Another is the concept of "phantom limbs," where amputees continue to feel sensations where their limb once was, which Sheldrake suggests may be explained by the continuing influence of the morphic field of the limb.
The idea of morphic resonance extends beyond biology. Sheldrake discusses its potential implications for human society, particularly in how cultural norms and collective memories shape societal behaviors and practices. He posits that traditions and customs may persist over centuries because they are reinforced and maintained by morphic resonance, making them inherently easier to follow and re-enact by subsequent generations.
Sheldrake's theories challenge the traditional scientific views that rely heavily on physical causality. He invites the reader to consider new paradigms in which interconnectedness plays a crucial role in the evolution and behavior of all life forms. While "Morphic Resonance" is scientifically rigorous, it also ventures into areas typically associated with the paranormal, such as telepathy and the collective unconscious, suggesting these phenomena too could be understood through morphic fields.
The book is not just a presentation of Sheldrake's hypothesis but also a critique of conventional scientific thinking, arguing for a more holistic approach to understanding life and evolution. Sheldrake calls for an expansion of science to include more of the non-material world, advocating for an investigative spirit that embraces both the known and the unknown with equal rigor.
"Morphic Resonance" is an intellectually stimulating read that challenges readers to reconsider the mechanisms of natural law and the potential of unseen connections in nature. It is a controversial but compelling call to expand our understanding of biology, emphasizing interconnectedness and collective memory as fundamental forces in nature. Sheldrake's book is a gateway to a broader and more dynamic view of life, encouraging a shift from a strictly mechanistic view of the world to one that embraces the mysterious and complex patterns of nature.
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