A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe: Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art, and Science

CONSTRUCTING THE UNIVERSE has been on the bookshelf for over a year, and it's really only now that I'm beginning to fully appreciate and process Schneider's masterpiece and its implications - or what could be called an Almanac of Discovery. Although not wanting to write a review until I had finished absorbing it completely, ultimately this work will never date as it's the kind of visual and text based product that provides a continual unfolding of yet deeper and deeper levels of understanding. Its not one of those books that is restricted to a single epiphany or message; I've noticed how it has changed and informed my view of nature's patterns, and geography, on various hiking trips through sacred space. Yet strangely, Schneider's work is also accessible and appealing to my kids, who have wholeheartedly taken up the challenge and tried to build temples with their crazy Dad; applying their maths and geometry lessons with patience as compasses, string and wooden pegs have been variously lost and dropped. I'm not into extremely complex and detailed sacred geometry; so this work is absolutely ideal for my needs; yet don't be fooled into thinking it's simply a beginner's piece either, for it most certainly is not. At 350 odd pages of diagrams, descriptions, tables and references to science, mythology, and ancient texts, CONSTRUCTING THE UNIVERSE provides a rich thematic mathematical and geometric approach to the world we live in. Highly recommended. Rgds

I have bought a number of books on sacred geometry (Quadrivium , The Matrix of Creation , How the World is Made , Sacred Geometry , Patterns of Eternity ) looking for some profound answers but either they were caught up in the proof by mathematics or the sentimental wonder of the lovely symmetry or were showing their own niche discovery .They could all state what was going on but I think they lack the profound understanding of the big picture : the complex unity that is underwritten by the simplicity of parts . Schneider builds it from the base up collecting and connecting the logic of symmetry , philosophy of implication the understanding and wonder at the genius of the simple complexity of ordering and he doesn't confuse by laboring a point. Filled with examples from nature and geometry and history (architecture , iconography and symbolism ) and with succinct philosophical exactitude in text that illuminate ! He showed me in one sentence the significance of Fibonacci sequence . I have wasted a year chasing more pretentious , prettier books that lack the wisdom of this Guy .The text is also spiced with quotes & nuggets of history and sagacious analysis and humor . Brilliant ! Also the comments made about the book having a religious overtone are true and a person should be cautions buying this book for a young person who has strong religious instincts or upbringing . The author obviously is Masonic or worse and views (and promotes) mathematics as god itself when it is really only one manifestation of the genius of our world.Still for those interested in history and culture and fundamental insights into how the world is ordered spatially this is an excellent read .

This book is really about sacred geometry and numbers. It is a masterpiece of exploration and insight and the best I have come across. It explains the basic geometric principles and allows us to fully comprehend them by guiding us through practical exercises. The book reveals the stunning secrets of creation based on patterns of geometry, the magnificent order and harmony in everything, and how everything in our universe is interconnected. It explains how nature applies these principles reflecting order and efficiency and it shows what is possible and not possible in the natural world based on mathematical and numerical patterns. We find application of theses principles in our psyche for instance in what we consider beautiful, and we use it in daily living without being aware, possibly even many artist use it subconsciously without being aware what makes them choose their designs. The information makes us marvel at the incredible coincidence of amiss numbers, of the coincidence of galactic dimensions and other numbers in the physical world, and the perplexing numbers hidden in sacred names. The author converts the subject from a philosophical theory about things to actual building blocks of existence, and takes the subject from esoteric principles to practical reality, and thereby, one could argue shows how reality is permeated by spirituality. He changes sacred geometry from matter of believe to a matter of facts. The book is a must for those interested in sacred geometry, but also for artists and even scientists who are interested in understanding the bigger patterns. Haran, author of '75 Lives of Haran - New Insights into Reincarnation'

I really did not like math when I was in school. What was the point? Manipulating a bunch of abstract concepts for the mere sake of doing the work. Why don't they teach this type of math in schools? Well anyway, I believe that you can not truly understand life, religion and the world around us without taking a long look at this beautiful knowledge that has been preserved for so many millenia. If you want to look into the mind of God, study the rules by which he organized the universe. And if you think that everything around you is chaos, read this book and look again. You will find that everything from the microscopic to universal aggregate is striving toward simple and beautiful geometric patterns. The author does a nice job of giving to the reader a piece of his deep understanding and love for this subject. This book is more of a textbook and is neatly organized. I highly recommend also getting a copy of Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice by Robert Lawlor. It has lots of excercises to emerse the student in the beauty of geometric relationships. These two books go hand-in-hand. Lastly, I can not emphasize enough how much more understanding I gained about religion by learning geometry. Does that sound bizzare? I suppose, but it is true.

This is my sons freshman math book. It is a crazy fun book! My son has a whole new love for math because this book puts math in fun terms and they use great examples. My son no longer says, "I'm never going to use this, why do I need to learn it" you all have heard that before. This shows real world examples of where to find mathematical principles. I just like the book in general, but my son thinks its an awesome math book.

This wonderful book is utterly unique. It is a universe itself constructed, I am sure, along Schneider's imaginative recipe. A combination of precision and poetry, this book will clarify and shore up your thinking. A vast labor of love (a life-time interest) this book is filled with imaginative illustrations, and an endless wealth of margin quotes from the great inventors, scientists, poets, mystics, scriptures. I can dip into it anywhere, and get lost. Schneider has a good eye for metaphor and analogy, as well as an insightful grasp of etymology, and uses all of this to transfigure your ordinary thinking about numbers, shapes, words and objects all around you. If you love logic and analogy, and if you have always sensed some basic secrets about numbers that your 4th grade teacher never let on -- you have come to the right place. "A Beginners Guide To Constructing the Universe" is a sparkle of wit, smarts, reverence and presumption.

Maybe modern math has developed as an impenetrable, boring rote of memorization to most people, but the real background of humanity's fascination with geometry and numbers, along with the profound usefulness it has given us, comes down to some very simple concepts that just inexplicably work with both the physical and abstract universe. Combining history, mythology and aspects of religion, (and a certain amount of play) the author shows us how numbers have not only been surprisingly intimate companions to all cultures, they are inextricably interwoven with life, matter and energy itself. This is a truly educational book, probably far too easy and entertaining and liberating to appeal to school masters, but perfect as an after hours project to let you know what is REALLY going on with those mysterious ideas we call numbers and geometry. Don't worry, it only goes from 1 to 10, with a few mentions of higher multiples. Now all we need is a similar book about Zero- if such a thing is possible.

An interesting book. I have always hated math. Perhaps if I had been taught this way, I would not hate it so much. Lots to f history. I like this book!

Michael Schneider is genius. This book opened my eyes to the importance of Geometry as a spiritual path and how it not only has to do with structure and form in the material universe, but also rules states of mind and relations between people and processes and the environment. Practicing drawing the geometric forms really helps us understand our inner and outer universe and Michael Schneider takes us on a grand and deep journey. This is a very deep and thorough work, both in terms of information and also in depth of thought. One of the most useful books for anyone who would want to know how Geometry can help us spiritually and mentally as well as materially.

Je recommande à 100%. Illustré et très bien expliqué, j'ai trouvé l'anglais très compréhensible.

Everyone should read this. Mathematical proofs of the divine at a bargain buster basement price. It's a no brainer.

This is a fantastic book that will spark your imagination and get you seeing the relationship between math and the cosmos in a new light. There are extensive quotes throughout the book that illuminate the pragmatic mathematics presented. If you are involved with building sciences at all (architects, structural engineers, carpenters, stereotomists), or you are coming at it from a more spiritual angle (the golden ratio, numbers representing divine principles), you'll find a vast warehouse of knowledge within this book. I often travel with this book, and leave it on a shelf in a hostel somewhere.

A reference book that is never far from my reach as I study the significance of the golden ratio throughout the universe and through our body and learn about the importance of order and balance for harmony, health and wellbeing. . Michael's descriptions creates better understanding of the importance of order for mind-body health and survival of life on earth.