An unforeseen pathway to inner and world peace consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ is elucidated in this book. Using universal principles regarding natural turbulence as recently uncovered via the science of complexity, the piece shows how simple notions from modern science allow us to visualize the consequences of personal and collective actions and how such ideas entice us, through reason and faith, to seek harmony and friendship in a condition typified by the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Written in a style that invites reflection and self-discovery, The Hypotenuse uses the format of an illustrated tale, with “people” walking on top of scientific diagrams, to weave concepts and symbols from mathematics, physics, politics, economics, and morals, in an original and unexpected fashion.
The work, dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II, starts with a “geometric” citation from the gospel of Luke (Lk 3:4-6), followed by a Preface and a Prelude that set the stage for the main text. The narrative is then divided into four main sections: A bit of history, A bit of math, A bit of physics, and A bit of common sense, which are supplemented by a set of notes, by the end of the book, containing pertinent references and additional explanations to the text. Then, the story includes a collection of poems-songs that further weaves the symbols in the parable, a Postlude that emphasizes love as the solution to the evils we all face, and another Biblical quotation that reinforces the message of the parable, this time from the gospel of Matthew (Mt 19:16-24).
Comments:
“Carlos Puente has an unusual gift for using scientific ideas, amusing sketches and poetic comments to convey spiritual insights in a way that is attractive and eye-catching.”
Rev. Dr. John C. Polkinghorne
Author of Belief in God in an Age of Science and The Faith of a Physicist
2002 Templeton Prize Winner
“Terei de confessar que achei fascinantes as suas propostas, tanto como se tivesse nas minhas mãos um libro desconhecido de Borges”.
José Saramago
Author of Blindness and The Gospel according to Jesus Christ
1998 Nobel Prize Winner in Literature
“After reading it few times, and needing time to reflect after each reading, The Hypotenuse can be understood as both a parable and a Zen Koan. A parable is an allegory intended for a moral and/or spiritual lesson, a Zen Koan poses a paradoxical question or problem whose intention is a spiritual breakthrough. The tale, both profoundly simple and simply profound, has an urgent message for all who are troubled by globalization and what it means today and could mean for humanity and our common future, for those promoting global justice and the just distribution of the earth’s good, and the spiritual welfare of humanity. Politics, the economy, humanity and spirituality are components of The Hypotenuse, and therefore, equal factors in its solution. A tale ancient, yet applicable to the present moment, it demonstrates that it is within our reach and power to attain the balance that supports and maintains life for all.”
Rev. Wil Tyrrell, S.A.
Director, Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Archdiocese of New York
Dr. Puente received his Ph. D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
and has been a professor at the Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources at
the University of California, Davis since 1986. He is the author of over 40
refereed publications, including the book “Treasures inside the Bell. Hidden
Order in Chance” and the upcoming books “The Hypotenuse. An Illustrated
Scientific Parable for Turbulent Times” and “The Fig Tree and the Bell. God’s
Love via Modern Science.” Because of
his contributions, he recently was named Fellow of the International Society for
Complexity, Information, and Design. He lives in Davis with his wife and their two daughters.