Your Future Is In A Superposition

What happens when you directly observe your desired future for a period of time?

Light, observation, and belief.

It’s vital to understand how our observations shape our realities—from particles to personal beliefs.

This isn't an exercise in positive thinking or the law of attraction. Plenty of gurus have covered that, and much of it is lacking.

But I found the thought of how light behaves compelling to compare to how our future behaves.

Light only exists when directly observed.

To start, light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which has properties of both a wave and a particle. This is often referred to as wave-particle duality. As a wave, light can be described in terms of wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. It can interfere with other light waves, creating patterns of constructive and destructive interference.

This phenomenon is famously demonstrated in the double-slit experiment, where light shone through two slits creates an interference pattern on a screen behind the slits, indicative of wave behavior.

At the same time, light also demonstrates particle-like properties. This is captured in the concept of a "photon", a term used to describe a quantum of light. When light interacts with matter, it often does so in discrete packets or quanta, as if it is made up of particles.

Science! Hello wavefunctions.

This is evident in phenomena like the photoelectric effect, where light shining on a metal surface causes it to emit electrons. The energy of these electrons depends on the frequency (or color) of light, not its intensity, which is what you'd expect if light was composed of particles, not waves.

Now, when it comes to the statement that "light only exists when directly observed," this is a reference to a concept in quantum mechanics called "wavefunction collapse."

Stick with me here.

Quantum mechanics suggests that particles exist in a superposition of states until they are observed or measured, at which point their state collapses to a definite value. For example, a photon could be in a superposition of different locations, but when we measure its location, we find it in one specific place. This idea is famously illustrated in the thought experiment known as Schrödinger's Cat. (Meow).

Ok, so how might these ideas relate to belief and human observation?

I’ve spent way too much of my time worrying about the future. So many potentials, so much uncertainty, so much lack of confidence. Too much over analyzing.

Sometimes I felt like I was collapsing in on myself.

And this, I believe, came from trying to observe and analyze too many points of external reference. Too many superpositions.

So just as the act of observing a particle can "collapse" its wavefunction into a definite state, our beliefs and observations can shape our perception of reality. I'm not suggesting we can change the fundamental nature of the universe with our minds, but that our interpretation of what we observe can be influenced by our beliefs and expectations.

And straining to nail down a future that other people say is possible (and what you ”should” do) can make anyone feel incredibly anxious and stressed.

Measurement & Meaning

A simple example can be seen in perceptual illusions, where our brain's interpretation of visual information leads us to perceive things that aren't there or misinterpret what is there. As many authors and scientists have stated, our brains our meaning-making machines. We will fit meaning in where it is missing.

Similarly, in our daily lives, our expectations and beliefs (especially those adopted by the influence of others) can color our interpretation of events, leading to biases like the confirmation bias, where we pay more attention to information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them.

In the realm of quantum physics, when observing a photon—a particle of light—it only takes a single act of observation or measurement to "collapse" the wavefunction, forcing it into a definitive state. This is its underpinning idea: a photon in a superposition of states will, upon measurement, be found in one specific place.

However, this principle strictly pertains to quantum particles such as photons. When it comes to our beliefs or the futures we envision for ourselves, the process isn't so straightforward. Unlike the quantum world, our thoughts, beliefs, and visions for the future aren't resolved by a single observation or thought.

They are much, much larger and more interconnected.

How Do We Establish Belief From A Superposition?

Our human experience and the network of connections, interactions, and experiences around us are far more complex than a single quantum particle. Consequently, to establish a belief or realize a vision of our future, a substantial and sustained process of observation, thought, and action is necessary.

This is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of reinforcement, adaptation, and evolution.

Drawing a parallel to quantum superposition, we could think of a potential future we desire as being in a "superposition" of states. Every possible future could be thought of as existing in this metaphorical superposition, all waiting for the act of observation and choice to "collapse" them into a definitive path.

But it is up to us to choose which superposition to “collapse” upon. And that choice should come from inside us, not from the outside.

This whole discussion makes me think of the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once. That was a fantastic film, by the way, and if you haven't seen it I recommend it.

Metaphoric Superposition

Remember, this is a metaphorical comparison. In reality, transitioning a potential future from a superposition to an observed reality requires more than just observing it. It requires consistent action, effort, and determination.

Our future isn't determined by the act of observation alone but also by the choices we make and the actions we take. Continually observing our desired future, believing in it, and taking steps towards it is how we move from potentiality to reality.

While these ideas may provide an interesting perspective on how we approach our lives, they are metaphoric parallels. I’m no academic scientist, but quantum mechanics operate under a set of physical laws that do not necessarily govern our day-to-day lives. At least not in a way that we can feel.

Be Open to New Information

However, science and studies are always changing and being updated.

1. We used to think that the Earth was the center of the universe. Then Galileo and others disproved this.

2. We used to think that a mysterious substance called Luminiferous Aether transmitted light through the universe, then Einstein revolutionized physics.

3. We used to think that the universe was static. Then Edwin Hubble disproved that with his discovery around red shift and the universe expanding.

And these are just examples around space and physics. Don't get me started on studies for food, health, and psychology.

Also, Lex Fridman's talk with cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman "Reality is an Illusion" might bend your mind a bit.

All of this to say, it is our job as continual learners, as Self Engineers, to measure, test, and find out what is workable for us in our current state. With that in mind, these metaphors can provide insightful ways to think about and test the process of belief formation and the realization of our future selves.

Until we make a decision, all potential outcomes could be said to be in a kind of "superposition." Once we make a decision, we "collapse" this superposition into a single path that we can begin to follow.

The path may change and alter, but the important part is the steadfast active observation of it—the decision.

References:

• Feynman, R. P. (1985). QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter.

• Al-Khalili, J. (2012). Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed.

• Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow.

• Schrödinger, E. (1935). Die gegenwärtige Situation in der Quantenmechanik. Naturwissenschaften.

• Wikipedia