Though this post is seemingly tangential to the path to a PhD, it is a subject that falls within the scope of this blog. It combines knowledge in science and a bit of philosophy. And since the following occurred while working to obtain my master's degree, I feel that it qualifies to be shared here.
Months ago, one night, as I was studying or reading (the actual event that inspired the thought escapes me now) I had a thought about the origins of the universe. The Big Bang is the event that the scientific community acknowledges created the universe, but science has yet to explain what occurred before this moment. None of the technology we currently have can explain it. We can, however, explain the moments immediately following it. We also know that the universe is ever expanding and growing...an interesting thought really. So beyond the bounds of the growing universe what exists? Nothingness? An absence of matter? It begs a lot of questions that I do not pretend to know or even understand.
What I do know from my limited knowledge of physics is that something that is expanding will, at some point, slow and reach a maximum. At that point, the expanding will cease and the universe will begin to collapse. A haunting thought really...all that we know, as it exists will fall inward upon itself and the universe will be no more. But I postulate that this really isn't the end...All of the components, the subatomic particles and everything else, that were here at the very beginning will be brought together again. And in that moment, there is the possibility that it will start again.
And so...I suggest the following. The reason we can't know about the moments before the big bang is because that there was another universe in its place. I argue that the universe expands and collapses, cyclically, in a breathing fashion. When one universe collapses another is born and everything starts anew. There is no real big bang, but a series of them. I see it as rhythmic, perhaps even melodic...beautiful really.
I've discussed this idea with a few people and they've all commented on how sad that seemed. That the universe, this one we are in, everything that has been, is or will be, is but a breath...it makes life seem trivial to some. Overwhelming and depressing is how it has been described. But I disagree, I think this thought is, and should be, liberating. A single life may not even register as a blip on the radar screen, so what we as individuals do, may not matter in the grand scheme that is the universe.
Life can be inconsequential.
That idea should resonate in our minds...it should cause a stir within us; it should mean that at any given moment, we may exist no longer and so we should take advantage of the time we have. Use it to its extent and leave nothing unattempted. There should be nothing holding us back from doing that which makes us truly happy. I'm not advocating recklessness, what I am saying is that the fear that prevents us from stepping outside our comfort zones should be disregarded.
Though our life may have no greater meaning (in a higher sense, in the universe...etc.), we give it meaning by those we impact with our existence. What we do may leave lasting impressions for only moments...but our actions can have the potential to reach beyond time and touch those in millennia to come. So do nothing and do everything. Make mistakes and take chances...because it all may be just a breath away from being over.
I've discussed this idea with a few people and they've all commented on how sad that seemed. That the universe, this one we are in, everything that has been, is or will be, is but a breath...it makes life seem trivial to some. Overwhelming and depressing is how it has been described. But I disagree, I think this thought is, and should be, liberating. A single life may not even register as a blip on the radar screen, so what we as individuals do, may not matter in the grand scheme that is the universe.
Life can be inconsequential.
That idea should resonate in our minds...it should cause a stir within us; it should mean that at any given moment, we may exist no longer and so we should take advantage of the time we have. Use it to its extent and leave nothing unattempted. There should be nothing holding us back from doing that which makes us truly happy. I'm not advocating recklessness, what I am saying is that the fear that prevents us from stepping outside our comfort zones should be disregarded.
Though our life may have no greater meaning (in a higher sense, in the universe...etc.), we give it meaning by those we impact with our existence. What we do may leave lasting impressions for only moments...but our actions can have the potential to reach beyond time and touch those in millennia to come. So do nothing and do everything. Make mistakes and take chances...because it all may be just a breath away from being over.
There is, of course no right answer to this, and we'll never know for sure who is right or wrong...it is however, if nothing else, an interesting thought experiment.
Also, check out this from NdT, whose thoughts on life and existence should cause everyone to view life a little differently
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