title: The Presence of the Past: Morphic Resonance and the Habits of Nature
author:  Rupert Sheldrake 
description: Biochemist Sheldrake maintains that if a pigeon in London learns a new habit, then pigeons everywhere else will automatically show an increasing tendency to learn the same habit. He holds that invisible energy patterns or "morphogenetic fields" surround and shape all atoms, all crystals, all pigeons and all humans. In his astonishing theory, any natural systemwhether insulin molecules, dandelions or societiesinherits a collective memory from all previous members of that group. Experimental evidence for Sheldrake's hypothesis is inconclusive but tantalizing. If true, it would force a radical revision of our understanding of genetics, evolution, memory, learning. Many books on the "new physics" and the paranormal have discussed Sheldrake's ideas, but his own explanation of morphic resonance is the most lucid and exciting account to date. He uses the theory here to suggest how creation myths and rituals connect past and present. <br />Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  To Dom Bede Griffiths, O.S.B.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## MORPHIC RESONANCE
  
  
  
  
  
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  >
  
  
  “Rupert Sheldrake is one of the most innovative and visionary scientists of
  our times. Rupert will be both vilified and praised for his theory of morphic
  resonance. Whatever your personal opinion of his work, he will not be ignored.
  In my opinion, his contributions will be recognized one day on the same level
  as those of Newton and Darwin.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  DEEPAK CHOPRA, _AUTHOR OF_
  
  
  _R EINVENTING_
  
  
    
  _THE BODY, RESURRECTING THE SOUL_
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  “ _Morphic Resonance_ presents a revolutionary information-field understanding
  of the nature and evolution of life. Acquaintance with it is an essential part
  of new-paradigm scientific literacy.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ERVIN LASZLO, AUTHOR OF
  
  
    
  _S CIENCE AND THE AKASHIC FIELD
  
  
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  ## ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  
  In the continued development and testing of the hypothesi