Across the Multiverse
A thought occurred to me the other day while showering — which is where all my best ideas strike — that if a parallel universe exists for every choice I make and every choice you make, then it is theoretically impossible for me to cross over into another universe. The simple act of crossing over into another universe would make that universe the universe that I live in, thus no longer existing as an “alternate” universe, but it would become my prime universe.
I mentioned this the other day and someone suggested that if universes were lanes on a highway, then when we change lanes we don’t take the other lane with us. This quickly brought me to the realization that if the Multiverse exists, then it only exists in the wake of our existence, that is the existence of each of us in our own reality.
I use the word wake intentionally because our existence leaves a mark that can be felt by those in close proximity to us, but over time fades out and, eventually, can no longer be felt. If my wake passes through your wake, it changes the current of space-time and creates cross currents. Heraclitus said “You could not step twice into the same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you.” He sounds like a Buddhist.
The idea of parallel universes has always been one that intrigued me; I loved watching Sliders when I was younger (can you say Sabrina Lloyd?). But it’s impossible, now, for me to conceive of something so arrogant as a Multiverse — William James must have loved himself immensely. To think that a whole entire universe is created (or exists) for every choice we have made or will ever make is preposterous. It’s on the level of creating gods to protect us from our fear of existence as irrelevant and meaningless, or to preach that non-terrestrial life forms are mere science fiction, when our very existence on this planet is proof enough of the possibility.
So, with these thoughts I leave you for debate on the issue and these words from one of the wisest men who ever drew his wisdom from the commons: “This universe, which is the same for all, has not been made by any god or man, but it always has been, is, and will be an ever-living fire, kindling itself by regular measures and going out by regular measures.”
I’ll admit it: I came to check this out mainly for talk about parallel universes. I’m a sucker for big-picture cosmology-talk.
I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying here, because parallel universes are a pretty odd thing to have a concrete opinion about (and my opinions tend to be pretty squishy at the best of times), but think about this: imagining an alternate universe for every possible human decision is, yes, completely arrogant, irrational, and anthropocentric. But what if there’s a different universe for every possible quantum state — not just human choices, but those ‘random’ particle interactions that seem to both happen and not happen? It gets a whole lot harder to think about, but at the same time, more plausible.
If you’re into big, brick-like speculative fiction books, I recommend one called Anathem, by Neal Stephenson. This whole deal (particularly the idea of ‘wakes’ and ‘crossing currents’) is a pretty major theme.
I’d love to hear about it some time. I might do some independent research in the meantime.
Sliders was my jam.
Based on your metaphysical musings, I assume you engage in the age-old practice of ‘a bong hit before the shower’. Or you’re just a more profound person than me without the assistance of narcotics.
Great post. I must admit that I googled Sabrina Lloyd and found her less than stellar. Am I missing something?