Understanding the Implications of an Eternal Universe
The theory of an eternal universe trips the very meaning of our lives. Whether you are an atheist or a theist, it's hard to deny the profound implications. In an infinite universe, every action we take could be mirrored by countless other versions of us in parallel universes. This concept is reminiscent of the Rick and Morty universe, where every decision leads to countless divergences.
Finiteness vs. Infiniteness
From a mathematical perspective, there are fundamentally more numbers than any finite set of numbers. For example, there are more double-digit numbers than single-digit numbers, and even more triple-digit numbers. Extrapolating this logic, it stands to reason that there are far more infinities in the universe than finite values. This means that finiteness is more rare than infiniteness.
Our Finite Conscious Experience
Our finite consciousness is a significant limitation. It hinders us from truly perceiving the vast infiniteness of the universe. The three-dimensional experience of time, value, and meaning—past, present, and future—are merely byproducts of our finite conscious experience of the absolute totality of universe.
As physicist Richard Feynman once said, 'The fact that we move in a certain way and not in a different way is one of the puzzles of the universe.' Our finite perspective means that the infinite universe is often beyond our ability to truly understand or even imagine.
Scientific Observations and Theories
It's important to note that no actual theory has ever stated that the universe has always been the same forever. Scientific theories are based on tested explanations of facts and observations. The steady-state model was a hypothesis that suggested the universe was unchanging, but it failed when real-world observations contradicted it. The current Lambda-CDM model better describes the observed phenomena, such as the observed rate of expansion (~70 km/s/Mpc), which negated the steady-state model in earlier studies.
Philosophical Implications
The philosophical implications of these concepts are actually quite straightforward. If the universe is infinite, then every action that we take has been, or will be, repeated somewhere in the multiverse. From a philosophical standpoint, this can either seem deeply troubling or deeply reassuring, depending on one's perspective.
Supporting Scientific Discoveries
There are also scientific discoveries that support the idea of an infinite universe. For example, the constancy of sound waves demonstrates that they continue to propagate theoretically infinitely, even if they become inaudible over time. Similarly, genetic propagation and quantum entanglement suggest an interconnectedness that extends across vast distances, hinting at an infinitely complex universe.
Ultimately, the theory of an eternal universe challenges our deepest-held beliefs about the nature and limits of our existence. It forces us to consider the endless possibilities that exist within the infinite expanse of the universe, and perhaps even within our own consciousness.
Conclusion
The concept of an eternal universe—or even just an infinitely expanding one—is a vast and profound thought to consider. It not only reshapes our understanding of the physical world but also calls into question the very meaning of our lives within it.