Does nature possess a collective memory that guides how organisms grow and behave?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Biochemist Rupert Sheldrake proposes that biological development is not purely genetic but driven by morphic resonance. He suggests that species inherit habits from their ancestors, creating invisible fields that shape life. While he views this as a revolutionary scientific framework, critics dismiss his work as pseudoscience lacking empirical evidence.

Rupert Sheldrake, a former Cambridge biochemist, introduced his hypothesis of morphic resonance in his 1981 book, A New Science of Life. He posits that nature functions through a form of collective memory, where biological systems—from plants to animals—are influenced by the patterns and behaviors of their predecessors. In this view, the laws of nature are not fixed constants but rather evolving habits that have developed since the Big Bang. Sheldrake suggests this mechanism explains complex phenomena like plant development and even telepathic connections between organisms, effectively proposing an alternative to standard models in genetics and neuroscience.

The scientific establishment has largely rejected these claims. Critics argue that morphic resonance is vague, unfalsifiable, and inconsistent with established data in fields like embryology and biochemistry. Many reviewers have labeled his theories as magical thinking, noting that his experimental methods often suffer from bias and poor design. For instance, when Sheldrake investigated whether dogs could sense their owners returning home, independent researchers like Richard Wiseman concluded that the observed behavior could be explained by simple patterns of waiting rather than telepathy. Sheldrake has consistently defended his data, arguing that his results remain statistically significant.

Despite the controversy, Sheldrake has remained a prolific author and public figure, collaborating with thinkers like Terence McKenna and participating in high-profile debates on consciousness. His work has found an audience interested in the intersection of science and spirituality, even as professional journals and mainstream scientists maintain that his research fails to meet the rigor of peer-reviewed science. While some supporters appreciate his willingness to challenge scientific orthodoxy, the consensus remains that his theories lack the confirmatory experimental evidence required to shift the current understanding of the natural world.

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