I normally would not discuss one of my own books, but this seems the appropriate time and topic. I have alluded to some of the 7 Cosmic Principles in my last four substack articles (cherylchatfield.substack.com). I previously wrote “7 Cosmic Principles That Govern Our Lives” (May 2026), which is also posted on Substack. The Lost Principles (2008) is a novel that addresses these same Cosmic Principles.  

So why this discussion of my book now? And why my continued fascination with these Universal Rules? There are two reasons:

First, the Cosmic Principles

The first reason is the Cosmic Principles themselves. They are important.

My novel traces the adventures of stock broker Michele Stone as she discovers the beginning pages containing ancient wisdoms (the Cosmic Principles), and seeks the missing pages. Her search involves corporate fraud, greed, assault, murder, and romance. The story is fictional. The historical information about the Cosmic Principles, as I have stated before, is factual.

I will provide further insight into the story itself only as is relevant to this discussion. (Should anyone wish to read the novel, it is available on Amazon at  https://a.co/d/glUShSS.) 

The villain in the story found some of the Principles that the main character had discovered and wanted to read them all. He assumed that these universal laws would simply provide some secrets about how the world works, and he wanted to use them to his advantage. What he misses, of course, is that although the Principles do provide some direction about how the world works, they have a spiritual base and do not allow for greed or manipulation. 

Second, the Authoritarian View or Scientific Materialism

The second reason I felt compelled to write about my novel is an issue that is especially relevant today. In my last article Conscious Evolution (Sept 2026), I described the Scientific Materialism that evolved as a result of Darwin’s Origin of Species. Darwin promoted “survival of the fittest,” which evolved to simply gaining more money and control. I mentioned in that article that too many of our current billionaires and oligarchs seem to hold onto that outdated belief, trying to gain as much personal wealth as possible with little regard for others. 

That is exactly what the character in my novel represents. In 2008, when I wrote this novel, I was less aware of the belief that is so much more obvious today. I certainly knew, however, individuals who abused their money and power. 

The villain tries to explain his attempt to steal and access the missing pages that would reveal the remaining Principles. When questioned about the theft and how he could justify a spiritual side considering his actions of harming others:

“Who said anything about spiritual?” he scoffed.

“I saw some possible rules that govern the world. 

My interest in them was purely how I could use them to gain money and power.”

Those words are the old view of Scientific Materialism and the selfish desire for more power and money. I find the ideas of the villain similar to what I believe is true of many of the rulers and oligarchs today; it is certainly the belief of most dictators and authoritarian leaders.  We now see the extremes of this abuse and the growing influence in the United States and in other countries.

As the villain in the novel exclaims, 

“And people are too weak to make their own decisions. 

They always want someone smarter to decide. 

I thought you knew that.”

How arrogant that some seemingly entitled people believe they are smarter than the rest of us and have the right to make decisions for us. Unfortunately, we are seeing this expressed through the actions of many current governments.

Will our understanding of this old “survival of the fittest” Darwinian idea help us change what is happening today?

Will we begin to recognize the importance of being strong enough 

to stand up and insist on making our own decisions 

while choosing to vote as we desire?

Will a knowledge of the Cosmic Principles, or Universal Rules, help us

survive the oligarchs and billionaires trying to control our lives?

A reminder of the 7 Cosmic Principles:

• Everything and Everyone is Connected 

We are all interrelated.

• Everything Happens for a Reason 

There is order to our seemingly chaotic world, even if that order is not always apparent. There is a cause and effect, a reaction to every action. 

• We change.

The Universe vibrates, and we vibrate. Transition is a normal part of life.

• We move. 

Patterns affect all of life. Seasons change; tides rise and fall; day turns to night. We move within a recurring pattern.

• We progress.

Our pattern is not static, however. Our lives move in a circle, one that spirals upward so that we can and do progress.

• We balance.

Everything has its opposite. Our challenge is to find the middle ground, the median point, and avoid the extremes. 

• We create.

Life is creation. We strive to create new ideas, as well as new life.

Recognizing the connections, the order, the change, the patterns, 

and the progress can help us thrive,

if we also embrace the balance and the need to create.

These are the Cosmic Principles that help us defy any manipulation 

by others.

A Discussion of Bruce Lipton’s new book Beyond Darwin: How Epigenetics, Quantum Science, and Cooperation Shape Humanity’s Future (2026).

While the topics in Lipton’s book may seem daunting, I will use his own words to clarify.

The information in this book, based on epigenetics, quantum science, 

and cooperation, emphasizes a scientific and behavioral foundation 

for a new theory, conscious evolution, that can transcend the current self-destructive consequences of Darwinian theory 

and guide us safely into a sustainable future.

Lipton

Conscious Evolution, a new theory, is to help us evolve to a better future. I like that.

I am not suggesting everyone read this recently published book, but Lipton’s ideas are extremely important, thought provoking, and need to be heard. The subject matter, especially his discussion of epigenetics and quantum science, is complicated and I must admit I skimmed many parts that were too technical.  (Anyone interested in a more extensive background will find it in Lipton’s book.)

I do have some familiarity, though, with Lipton’s topics. I researched classic physics and the new quantum physics for my book The Trust Factor: The Art of Doing Business in the 21st Century (1997). Obviously much has changed since 1997, but my basic understanding of quantum physics remains.  

I have also followed Lipton and his work for many years. My previous favorite publication of his is Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles (2005). He refines those discussions in this recent book. I love the progression of his ideas.

Epigenetics 

 Epigenetics is the study of the influence of the environment on genes, influences such as diet, stress and lifestyle.  Lipton is a stem-cell biologist but his newer studies led to this arena of epigenetics.

The new science of epigenetics emphasized that the genetic activity, 

behavior, and fate of living organisms are directly influenced 

by their interaction with the environment.

Lipton

The previous belief was that genetics, not environment, played the dominant role in our development.

Quantum Science, specifically Quantum Physics

After Darwin’s The Origin of Species (1859),  the idea of scientific materialism dominated. This focused on the material realm and excluded the spiritual. The older, classic physics honored Darwin’s ideas of the survival of the fittest.  This led to the belief that the material world was the only one that mattered. 

Scientific Materialism encouraged the idea of gathering all that you can, such as more money, power, gadgets and everything else. There was no moral component. We see this selfish accumulation still prevalent in too many of our current billionaires and oligarchs.

These individuals use their wealth to further increase their own financial holdings while contributing little to the overall welfare of others. They also use their money to shape government policy and control political outcomes.

Quantum physics shows that the Darwinian philosophy of scientific materialism is no longer valid. Energy replaces the old view.

The profound and intellectually challenging reality revealed by 

quantum physics is that the Universe is comprised of only 

one realm — energy. As Einstein accurately described, 

the material realm is simply an illusion.

Lipton

Cooperation

The newer quantum physics shows more than just the importance of energy. It also challenges the old belief of competition among cells.

Cooperation, not competition is the fundamental behavior 

to ensure our survival in an evolving world.

Lipton

Energy fields have no borders, and as a result, they entangle with 

one another. Because of energy interference patterns, 

the entire Universe is one unified entangled field of energy.

That makes the phrase “We are all in this together” not just a throwaway line but a concept that convinced me of the spiritual nature of the Universe.

Lipton

Energy affects all aspects of our lives. Lipton’s “We are all in this together” is similar to the 1st Cosmic Principle that I have studied and written for many years: “Everything, and Everyone, is Connected.”  Lipton’s work seems to provide a beginning scientific validation for some long-held spiritual beliefs.

Conscious Evolution

Lipton is suggesting we are entering a time of “Conscious Evolution,” a time when we can all come together to create a better world.

Consciousness is the driving force behind human evolution.

Lipton

All humans come from the same source; 

it is only cultural programming that is responsible 

for the divisiveness and disempowerment 

that people experience.

Lipton

Lipton does state that, unfortunately,

Society is living beyond Earth’s available resources.

Lipton

His work, however, on epigenetics, quantum physics and cooperation provides reason for optimism and allows us to move beyond the current concerns.

I believe the science-backed message I deliver resonates strongly 

because people are hungry for hope in a world that seems terminally chaotic. And I do offer hope.           

 Lipton

I admire and agree with Lipton’s positive view. We all need to be reminded that a better future is possible.