The Wisdom of Your Cells: How Your Beliefs Control Your Biology by Bruce H. Lipton

The Wisdom of Your Cells: How Your Beliefs Control Your Biology Reviews

• 
  Shital

  Book's description is completely misleading and this one is truly full of horseshit. It's basically written by so-called "doctor" who opposes evolution, genetics and science in general. His central argument is that genetics tells people what they can do and what they cannot. Obviously that's completely incorrect argument to start with. Author than goes on to prove his theory using anecdotes as proof that you can be whatever you want to be regardless of your genes. Here's quote that author repeated many times though out the book: The goal of science is to control the nature while goal of theology is to understand the nature! Few people could be more misguided than this author. Don't waste your time.
• 
  Teddy

  This book started out good and making sense, but then took a pretty big swing when he claimed that if you get sick (everything from colds to cancer) it is because you had the wrong thoughts. I do strongly believe that your thoughts can influence your body, but this is taking it a bit too far for me. It wasn't a complete waste, but just kind of jumped off the deep end.
• 
  Jen Marin

  This audiobook is delivered as a series of lectures which covers and reinforces some of the material from Biology of Belief. We are shown the fallacy in our thinking which portrays as victims of circumstance and products of random chance. Lipton goes further in this book, discussing evolution on a species and planet wide scale, and the ability we have, right now, to pick a new trajectory and get ourselves out of this mess we are in. He offers ideas on improving health, on a physical, relational, and community level, encouraging the reader to engage the power of their own attention to envision a brighter future.
  
  If you have always suspected that quantum physics implies much about the nature of biology, neurology, and sociology, this book will give you much to ponder. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in taking the helm of their own healing voyage and improving this world we live in together.
• 
  Cameron

  I actually found the first half of this audio book promising and I could concur with much of what Lipton claims, such as his message of the importance of the cell membrane signalling environmental cues to the cell nucleus. However, Lipton makes a giant leap from the credibility of the cell membrane as a microprocessor to it receiving external emanations of "energy" implicit of consciousness, seemingly via the agency of quantum physics. This is a logical leap too great for comfort; in its current form a non sequitur.
  
  It is little surprise that mental determination of some sort can influence our physiology in some way, such as the decision not to eat can cause our adipose tissue to break down. More simply, the decision to raise an arm causes our arm muscles to contract. Yes, our beliefs can influence our cells. However, by affirming the consequent we can never be certain that a theory is true because it works! For now, Lipton's brand of speculation outruns the evidence. I also found the attempt to link scientific biology with New Age ideas troublesome, albeit, it is a clever way to maximize an audience. When Lipton goes on about biological energy for his lay readers, he makes the common mistake of vitalists and does not define what type or quality of energy (or force) is involved, which would be expected of a scientist. This is vitalism in new civvies.
  
  If our sense of self as expressed on our cell membranes is shared by all the cells in our bodies, why can't we influence by belief the behaviour of living cells taken from our bodies (e.g. blood) and placed in laboratory glassware? From experience many cell biologists actually attempt this, when their system of study is linked to powerful amplifiers, but nothing has escaped peer review. This is not always intransigence to dogma, as Lipton suggests.
  
  The need for hard evidence in this type of work is crucial. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Even much of what comes out of institutional science departments is bad science, established on preconceptions, the dream of academic accolades and financial incentives. We live at a time when a case can be made for nearly anything by referring to some collection of published "scientific" papers. The history of science is rife with misguided theories. Until Lipton's hypothesis is empirically verifiable and can be falsified, his claims must remain speculation and his conclusion underdetermined on account of alternative hypotheses. I was open to his thesis by indulging in it but the book did not overcome my scepticism. Caveat emptor.
• 
  Christine

  I loved this audiobook. I study animal sciences and genetics and I’m a big biology nerd in general. Although it is quite science heavy and it helped that I have studied cell biology in detail - I think it’s quite accessible and understandable to all. Beginning with how the genes do not the control centre of the cell as we used to think, Lipton details how much of an effect the environment has on the cell (and ultimately on the organism) and how we can use this information for our health and well-being. This book is not pseudoscience as other reviews seem to claim, it’s very much based on real science and research. And Lipton does not completely oppose Darwin’s theory of evolution but we all know through modern science that there are issues that do not strictly follow Darwin’s theory (a theory is only a theory) and I really enjoyed his detail on Lamarck’s theory of evolution and how Darwin’s theory came to be prominent. I also loved his perspective on brain and cell development and psychology through his research. I’m kind of surprised how many people hate this book, but it’s understandable that many people are dedicated to Darwin’s theory and are not willing to accept any opposing ideas. Yes, some of Lipton’s ideology is a little ‘out there’ but I don’t find them far fetched especially with his knowledge, experience and vast research in his career. A truly interesting and exciting audiobook!
• 
  Jennifer

  Applying quantum physics to medicine and biology. Energy medicine is 100% more powerful than physical medicine. This "book" is more like a long lecture by the author, with a casual reading style. Easy to listen to, but I did get a big bogged down in the scientific details since I don't have a science background.
• 
  Lorena

  Wow - I loved this book! It was fascinating to hear his research on the cells, and the conclusions he reached. I don't agree with his ending theory on evolution, but it was an interesting idea nonetheless. I definitely agree with his conclusion about the genes. If only more people understood it!
• 
  Pat Rolston

  Unfortunately for all of the good doctor’s prescient ideas pertaining to epigenetic science there are contradictory and illogical claims in other areas. I am not a cellular biologist nor am I an academic capable of debunking a multitude of his biochemical hypothesis. That isn’t necessary when the author deviates from logic regarding claims he makes as to the ability to mentally heal oneself and induce disease in the same manner. I absolutely understand the placebo effect and the power of the mind to heal and cause sickness, but he takes it to an extreme and sounds very much like a Christian Scientist.
  
  Steve Jobs adopted a multitude of alternative treatments including intensive visualization and mental regimen akin to the doctor’s advice and in the end regretted not addressing the pancreatic cancer with known methods of traditional medicine. There are also the horrors of childhood diseases and congenital defects that Dr Lipton doesn’t address. He has a hopeful message that is uplifting, but far too much belongs in the category of pseudoscience and new age genre.
• 
  Lachlan

  PSEUDOSCIENCE! Very little of what the author writes is backed up by evidence; he merely twists particular facts to make them seem more spiritual. There is a clear reason for doing this — books on spirituality sell more than science books. He seems to confuse what is true with what readers want to believe is true. Like this book if you will but please do not think of it as a scientific book because it is nothing more than the unverified opinion of one man.
• 
  Craig A

  I have no idea how I came to buy this "book" - I guess I just wasn't paying attention. I wonder if my complacency at the time is an indication of some sort of unwitting reliance on the powers-which-recommend these days? And of course, if so, a reflection of their inadequacy and my own neglect therefore... hmmm, interesting...
• 
  Brad

  The new Biology 101. Lipton is an ex-pat of the western view of medicine and does a great job of explaining complex science through simple metaphors. His view goes beyond Nurture, advocating that people can rewire themselves to heal.
• 
  Jim

  As a non-scientist, I found this book very readable & came away w/ a greater understang of cell structure & function.
• 
  𐒦Ỽ𐒚በ

  "An internationally recognized authority on cellular biology"... what the actual f*ck? This think is pseudoscience.
• 
  Mikal Svendsen

  What he writes makes a lot of sense to me.. For the record, he isn't opposing science or evolution. He even explicitly says that he does not oppose evolution. He just prefers a different theory of evolution than that of Darwin's, and he explains why very well.
  
  He is presenting his various insights throughout his life, that paints a certain picture of the world as he sees it. You don't need to accept it as absolute truth, but his insights are certainly worth listening to and considering. This isn't just "some random guy" who has some crazy ideas or anything, I mean he clearly explains most of the things while some things are implied. Why so fucking negative?? That's what science is about, challenging current understandings and presenting ones that may fit better.
  
  People have been calling the revolutionaries crazy since the dawn of mankind, but what's the point? I mean Bruce Lipton has lived for this shit for like 40 years, have any of you? If anyone is worth listening to about a subject, then surely someone like Bruce Lipton who has lived for this shit for 40 years must be fairly high up there. Since he has such interesting theories and insights, no?
  
  Where is anyone really claiming that this is the definite answer? Calling this psuedoscience is wrong. It's not pseudoscience, it's science. Just because it is not guaranteed to be 100% spot on doesn't mean that it's "pseudoscience". Again, this guy has been studying biology.. And taught it. Stop yelling pseudoscience everytime something deviates from your precious books.. We have more yet to learn about our world than we know so far.
  
  To me this book was indeed spiritual, and it fits perfectly in with how I've come to understand my reality as well. It fits perfectly with Carlo Rovelli's books about quantum physics and time too. It fits perfectly with the teachings of Buddha as I interpret them. I believe Bruce Lipton over anyone else, I have seen how religious the scientific community actually is. It also fits very well with Ken Wilber's Integral theory and all that.. :)
• 
  Kimber

  This audio book compiles a series of lectures of the author containing his insights on changes or breakthroughs in the scientific world. The author explains how the cells in our body receive and act on signals from their environment, in a similar way to how living beings made up of cells receive and act on signals from our environment. Dr. Lipton provides insight about the science and his theories – which don't always match up to existing, accepted scientific dogma – in clear details, and expounds by using basic and understandable analogies. In general, he believes that Western medicine has shorted itself by concentrating almost solely on Newtonian biology and leaving out the mental or spiritual components that can assist with healing or well-being.
  Topics covered include cell function and communication, epi-genetics, evolution and how it relates to cultural evolution, the Sixth extinction, energy psychology, and mental reprogramming.
  I was extremely engaged by the facts of cell function and communication that Dr. Lipton shared, and fascinated by his theories on the wisdom of our cells. Occasionally, his ideas were a bridge too far for me but, over all, I was very glad to have heard Dr. Lipton's take on the wisdom of our cells.
• 
  Laura

  Dr Lipton eloquently sets out how perception/s of the surrounding environment will direct a cell or community of cells, how to behave. The same logic is then applied to broader communities (including us as human beings, and even humanity as a whole).
  
  Using science and his research as a cantilever, he draws out his narrative with an accessible, anecdotal style; and the audiobook is especially palatable given its lecture-style chapters.
  
  Admittedly I found it to be a little repetitive by chapter 6 or 7, and I took a couple of precarious steps 'off-piste' just to stick with him through some of his more abstract analogies. But, I am happy to overlook a few 'broader strokes' because I liked the book overall.
  
  Books like this make me hopeful that we may eventually fracture the amounting iceberg of apathy towards nature and the planet that sustains us...
  If not, then at least let it stimulate some meaningful conversations at the dinner table.
• 
  Zoe Knight

  You have to have an open mind to listen to this book. I am a huge advocate for, and student of, science. But I believe that not only is there a lot of things science can’t explain, but I believe there is also a lot of stuff science doesn’t even know EXISTS. I really resonate with Lipton’s thinking, studies, and thought process. After reading through a lot of the reviews I understand how this can be considered pseudoscience. It’s out of the box thinking. But it’s out of the box thinking that is required for advancement. Any great scientist who has made breakthroughs or discovered new approaches has had to bear labels from industry peers. I believe in a few decades this will be the normal way of thinking about biology. This is a really powerful book, like his others, and I highly recommend everyone listen to it.
• 
  Cyndee Paulson-heer

  I love Lipton, and everything he writes. He is a bright light, and a wealth of knowledge. I love how he simplifies and likens concepts, in his book, to more common everyday knowledge, and experiences. Additionally, while steeped in the world of science and biology, and deeply knowledgeable, Lipton has not lost passion, or his enchantment-his childlike wonderment! He is truly amazed by the spectacular universe of the human body, and delivers that, full on, in everything he writes.
  
  In this audio Lipton takes us through cellular biology, explaining in simple language, how our cells develop and respond to the world around us. He also talks about how we influence that process . . .
• 
  Joy

  What did I just listen to?
  
  I feel like I stopped by an older bereaved neighbor's house with a casserole and then kindly listened to him talk for 8 hours.
  
  The initial concept is intriguing and I'm open to it (hence my listening), but it's presented amidst mindless rambling, and overall lacking in evidence or even adequate explanation.
  
  I want my casserole back. My cells need sustenance now.
• 
  Tyler Chism

  I really enjoyed the ideas about the cellular membrane presented here, makes a lot of sense. Receptors on the cell membrane don't just respond to ligand molecules but also to electric fields, vibrations, light, etc. Which could point to their being a correlation between your brain waves and your health.
• 
  Lisa Lorraine Bowen

  This book teaching you about quantum physics and cell biology. He explains how the universe, people and our own thoughts send energy to our cells and the cells respond. Biologically, humans are not just flesh or matter we are energy, just as everything else is energy which is the key to how everything in the world is linked.
• 
  Shreya Ghosh

  This book made me look at life and humans- us in a different light! Its enlightening as well as gives us a different perspective of our existence. The way we are entangled with nature and our approach towards life being all about the survival drive! It gives a different light to all these thoughts and breaks through the general ideal thinkers!
• 
  Marie

  I'm not currently looking for a cult to join so this book wasn't really relevant to me.
  
  Audible was kind enough to give me a refund after I explained how misleading the book description was and that I just wanted it gone.
  
  If I could give this negative stars I would.