Book Review: The Intention Experiment by Lynne McTaggart

I've written a number of pieces on consciousness and intention in the past and I'm a diehard skeptic when it comes to manifesting your reality. However, Lynne McTaggart's The Intention Experiment is definitely worth a read given its ambitious attempt to bridge the worlds of science, spirituality, and personal transformation.

It's an older book from 2008, and the core premise explores how directed thought—or "intention"—can have real, measurable effects on our environment and on ourselves. It's well-written and includes a balanced mix of scientific research, anecdotal evidence, and practical exercises.

I also appreciate that there's a certain reticence to over-promise results, as McTaggart notes that the book is a "work of frontier science" and that "science is a relentless process of self-correction."

As an engineer who likes to tinker, what I especially liked was that McTaggart invites readers not only to understand the power of intention but to actively participate in its exploration through a series of experiments.

I strongly encourage reading the book, however I've summarized the process below and also in a previous short companion article:

1) Get into a deep meditative state. Really deep. Alpha deep.

2) In your meditative state, enter into a zone where you relax your sense of “I” and you sense a merging with the object of your intention and "The Field".

3) Frame your intention - state it clearly and make it specific, and then let go of the outcome.

4) Close your internal meditation with a request and then move your own ego aside. Remember: this “power” does not originate with you—you are its conduit.

There are some finer points too:

5) Try to have an "intention space" where you do this regularly.

6) There's some surprising evidence that you might have better luck at 1:00 PM local sidereal time (check out the research on this here).

7) Try this when there's increased geomagnetic activity, and when you're feeling happy and well overall.

These steps capture the essence of McTaggart's intention process, but there's a lot more to explore in her work. I wrote this article to provide a more comprehensive summary of the book, along with my assessment of its strengths and weaknesses below.

Summary

The Intention Experiment is divided into four main sections: "The Science of Intention," "Powering Up," "The Power of Your Thoughts," and "The Experiments."

Each section addresses different aspects of the intention phenomenon, supported by a variety of scientific studies and real-world examples.

In the first section, McTaggart sets the stage by reviewing key concepts from quantum physics that form the backbone of her arguments. She introduces the idea that at the quantum level, all matter is interconnected and capable of being influenced by human thought. This sets the baseline for the subsequent chapters, where McTaggart discusses how this interconnectedness suggests that intention can be more than just a mental exercise.

The second section, "Powering Up," focuses on the conditions that can enhance the effectiveness of one’s intentions. Drawing from scientific studies and spiritual practices, McTaggart explores factors such as mood, timing, and the importance of a meditative state when forming an intention. Here, she emphasizes that intention is not merely about wishing for something, but involves a directed and focused mental state that requires practice and discipline.

In "The Power of Your Thoughts," McTaggart presents several case studies and anecdotes to demonstrate the impact of intention on physical health, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships. These stories range from miraculous healing through prayer to the influence of group intentions on societal outcomes.

While these examples are captivating, they also blur the line between anecdotal evidence and scientific validation, which can leave scientifically-minded readers (such as myself) skeptical.

The final section, "The Experiments," encourages readers to become active participants in McTaggart’s intention experiments. She lays out the guidelines for conducting personal and group intention exercises, hoping to collect a large body of evidence to support her claims.

The book offers an interactive approach, which extends beyond its pages to a dedicated website where participants can log results and experiences. This differentiates The Intention Experiment from other books on the subject as it provides an ongoing way to explore consciousness and its potential.

Strengths

One of the greatest strengths of The Intention Experiment is McTaggart’s ability to take complex scientific concepts and present them in an accessible and engaging manner. The book is well-researched and thoroughly referenced, with McTaggart drawing on studies from respected institutions such as Princeton’s PEAR (Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research) lab and the Institute of Noetic Sciences.

By grounding her ideas in scientific research, McTaggart lends a degree of credibility to a topic that is often dismissed as pseudoscience.The book also stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, blending insights from quantum physics, psychology, and spiritual traditions. This breadth of perspective allows McTaggart to appeal to a wide audience, from scientists curious about the nature of consciousness to spiritual seekers looking for practical tools to enhance their mental and emotional well-being.

McTaggart’s writing style is another highlight. She is a skilled storyteller, weaving scientific explanations with personal anecdotes and compelling case studies. This makes the book not only informative but also highly readable. Her use of metaphors and analogies helps to demystify abstract concepts, making the material accessible even to readers with little background in science.

The interactive nature of the book is another unique aspect. By inviting readers to participate in intention experiments and share their results, McTaggart fosters a sense of community and shared discovery. This participatory approach makes The Intention Experiment more than just a book—it becomes a platform for collective exploration and experimentation.

Weaknesses

Despite its many strengths, The Intention Experiment is not without its flaws. One of the main criticisms of the book is that it often blurs the line between science and speculation. While McTaggart does a great job of presenting research that supports her theories, she sometimes draws conclusions that go beyond what the evidence can reasonably support.

For example, while there is scientific evidence that human consciousness can have subtle effects on certain physical systems, the leap to claiming that intention can dramatically alter reality or cure terminal illnesses is a stretch that many readers may find difficult to accept.

Another issue is the reliance on anecdotal evidence. While personal stories and case studies make the book more engaging, they do not carry the same weight as controlled scientific experiments. McTaggart often cites miraculous healings and unexplained phenomena as proof of the power of intention, but these examples lack the rigor and replicability needed to be considered robust scientific evidence.

This reliance on anecdotal evidence weakens the book’s overall argument and makes it more susceptible to criticism from the scientific community.The book also tends to oversimplify some of the more complex aspects of quantum physics.

While McTaggart does an excellent job of making these concepts accessible, her interpretations of quantum mechanics can sometimes be misleading. For instance, the notion that "thoughts can create reality" is a popular interpretation of quantum theory, but it is not one that is universally accepted by physicists. By presenting these ideas as established facts rather than as theories or interpretations, McTaggart risks perpetuating misconceptions about quantum physics.

Another potential weakness is the lack of practical guidance on how to apply the concepts in the book. I attempted to summarize the process at the top of this article, but the sections on experimenting feel less developed than the rest of the book. Readers who are looking for a step-by-step guide to harnessing the power of intention may find themselves wanting more specific guidance and structured exercises.

Having an Open Mind

Ultimately it's probably best to approach The Intention Experiment with an open mind but also a healthy degree of skepticism.

The book’s strengths lie in its ability to engage readers, present complex ideas in an accessible manner, encourage personal experimentation and her work is thought provoking. However, readers should also be aware of the book’s limitations.

While McTaggart presents compelling evidence for the power of intention, many of her claims are still speculative and lack rigorous scientific proof. The book is best viewed as an invitation to explore the potential of human consciousness rather than as a definitive scientific treatise on the subject.

Final Thoughts

The Intention Experiment is a fascinating read for those interested in the mysteries of human consciousness and the potential of the mind to influence reality. Lynne McTaggart has crafted a book that is both informative and inspirational, encouraging readers to question their assumptions about the nature of reality and the power of thought.

Whether you are a scientist curious about the cutting edge of consciousness research or a spiritual seeker looking for tools to enhance your practice, The Intention Experiment offers something of value. However, it is important to approach the book with a critical eye.

McTaggart’s interpretations of scientific research are sometimes overly optimistic, and her conclusions often extend beyond what the evidence can support. Readers who are looking for solid scientific proof of the power of intention may be disappointed, but those who are more open to exploring the boundaries of science and spirituality will find much to appreciate.

In the end, The Intention Experiment is a testament to the power of curiosity and the desire to understand the world beyond the visible and measurable. It challenges readers to consider the possibility that our thoughts may be more powerful than we ever imagined and invites us to participate in a grand experiment that could reshape our understanding of reality.

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