Quantum physics is a mystery to most of us. It is that branch of science which describes the behavior of energy and matter at levels we cannot see. Much of quantum physics borders on the mystical where, for example, particles can be in two different places at the same time, where “Light waves act like particles and particles act like waves…(and) matter can go from one spot to another without moving through the intervening space.”
Paradox abounds in quantum mechanics. A thing appears one way when measured; another when observed.
A physicist by the name of Schrödinger devised an experiment to demonstrate the confusion. This video describes the experiment by which one can conclude that Schrödinger’s cat is both alive and dead at the same time depending on how one measures or observes.
We appear to be at a “quantum moment” in history where our civilization might be both dead and alive at the same time depending on how we observe it. An accumulation of micro views (housing, employment, wars, oil spills, pandemics, health, market charts, web bots, etc) lead one to conclude that we are in horrible shape (dead) while the macro view (“everything seems pretty normal from where I sit”) encourages one to continue on with no change (we’re alive).
As both observer (scientist) and participant (cat) in the great experiment that is going on in the world we have the option to be active rather than passive. For example, if you lived in a waterfront property in Pensacola, Florida what would you be thinking about? What would you be planning for yourself and your family in the face of what might be imminent danger? You might be considering making a run for it. Evacuating. Loading up the car, boat or motorhome and driving to Montana.
Even though we are currently in a place of relative safety in Puget Sound from the imminent possibility of environmental and economic storm, shouldn’t we be thinking about preparing for what is observably and measurably an uncertain future?
Or, we can sit around staring at the box wondering if the cat is dead or alive.
Interesting. Makes me want to reread the opening scene from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern where they discuss the mysteries of chance and luck before entering Hamlet’s plot.
Rosencrantz: Did you ever think of yourself as actually dead, lying in a box with a lid on it?
Guildenstern: No.
Rosencrantz: Nor do I, really. It’s silly to be depressed by it. I mean, one thinks of it like being alive in a box. One keeps forgetting to take into account the fact that one is dead, which should make all the difference, shouldn’t it? I mean, you’d never *know* you were in a box, would you? It would be just like you were asleep in a box. Not that I’d like to sleep in a box, mind you. Not without any air. You’d wake up dead for a start, and then where would you be? In a box. That’s the bit I don’t like, frankly. That’s why I don’t think of it. Because you’d be helpless, wouldn’t you? Stuffed in a box like that. I mean, you’d be in there forever, even taking into account the fact that you’re dead. It isn’t a pleasant thought. Especially if you’re dead, really. Ask yourself, if I asked you straight off, “I’m going to stuff you in this box. Now, would you rather be alive or dead?” naturally, you’d prefer to be alive. Life in a box is better than no life at all, I expect. You’d have a chance, at least. You could lie there thinking, “Well, at least I’m not dead. In a minute somebody is going to bang on the lid, and tell me to come out.”
[bangs on lid]
Rosencrantz: “Hey you! What’s your name? Come out of there!”
Guildenstern: [long pause] I think I’m going to kill you.
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