When I became interested in skepticism, I frequently encountered Deepak Chopra. “Choprawoo” is the term I use to describe his impressive-sounding but nonsensical quackery. His latest book claims that we can control the activity of our genes. Chopra has consistently used and abused epigenetics. Nonetheless, he keeps getting invited to speak at conferences by respectable organizations such as the American Osteopathic Association and Children’s Autism Services. In these appearances, he discusses whether ultimate reality exists and whether the universe is becoming self-aware. Organizers defend these invitations in terms of open-mindedness, but audiences deserve better.
Key Takeaways:
- Chopra’s latest book once again abuses epigenetics by asserting you can control the activity of your genes.
- Respectable institutions such as the American Osteopathic Association and Children’s Autism Services keep inviting Chopra to speak.
- One critic calls Chopra the “great de-educator” for the way he makes non-scientific ideas sound scientifically legitimate.
“Worse, he was once a legitimate MD; now he’s a quack. Indeed, as I’ve described before, of all the quacks and cranks and purveyors of woo whom I’ve encountered over the years, Deepak Chopra is, without a doubt, one of the most arrogantly obstinate, if not the most arrogantly obstinate.”
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