--- Other 'You's' In Multiple Universes - A Copious Thought Experiment Pt2 ---

in #philosophy5 years ago

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Multiverse Orbs

The idea of multiple universes can cause brain hiccups, cognitive dissonance, paradoxical conundrums, and many other mind twists. Representation of the concepts of multiple universes have been present for quite some time in books, film, video games, this can be a source of far fetched concepts designed to make for an interesting story.

What is presented in these stories being told is a what we expect to find when 'discover' multiple universes. The reality of many things in life is that the truth can be mundane, ordinary, unimpressive, etc. its like seeing a magic trick and being in awe of the illusion.... but then being disappointed when we discover there is nothing magical about it at all, that it’s just misdirection and trickery.

While there is no discounting that there may indeed be other universes out there butted up against one another in perfect formation such as is represented in the image at the top of the article, we have yet to find it (or even the end our own universe for that matter). So we will turn our attention to a more philosophical approach when discussing the concept.

A few months back i wrote an article Multiple Universe Theory - A Copious Thought Experiment, which outlines a basis of how multiple universes can exist, with what we know, in the here and now. Moving forward we will build on top of this particular understanding.

A basic breakdown of this construct would be that each sentient being on this planet is the centre of 'their own universe', meaning if we are counting people alone we have just over 7.53 billion universes on the same plain of existence, all overlapping one another. This is not even considering what other creatures we consider as 'sentient' or the fact that we , as humans, may not have the capability to comprehend what constitutes the awareness required to perceive one’s own universe and their existence within it.... confused yet ? lol. If so it may be worth having a read of the aforementioned article in full as it provides a more comprehensive explanation.


Diving In


Ok, so we have established that each of us exists within our own universe, our experience is subjective and our own. This builds our framework for who we are as individuals, what we like and dislike, the shape of our thoughts and character... it all boils down to what we have assessed in our minds from interacting within our own universe.

Lets take a simple example, pineapple on pizza. This is something which has become so prolific a battle internet memes have been created, webpages are dedicated for advocacy for or against this act which has led to a culinary divide among the people of earth... and epic introduction for a mundane discussion. Basically, it comes down to if you think pineapple belongs on pizza or not.


Pineapple Pizza Debate

Maybe that is of no consequence to your existence, ok, how about the great toilet paper debate ? Much like the previous example, there is some heated discussion on which way the toilet paper should be placed on the rack which holds it. Should the tail of the paper be closest or furthest form the wall?


TP Debate

Now before we start a world war in the chat space about which is correct in the examples lets quickly move on.

What is being highlighted is the fact that there are a number of choices/experiences/preferences, many of which are not as binary as the examples, which make up who we are as individuals. Some of these characteristics may not even be known to us and exist within subliminal levels... all based on experiences in our own universe throughout life.

All of this, and more, comes together to create our character which is; the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. This culmination of experience up to this very moment defines us... much more than anything else we may choose to believe shapes us into who we are.

I hear you say: "Yeah, yeah, yeah, when do we get to the other "ME’s" in other universes, i wanna eliminate to be the strongest one and rule the multiverse like YuLaw in 'The One"'...

Oh and if you don’t get that reference we can’t be friends.... seriously watch it, but you may have to get it on VHS ;)


The One


The Construct


Well here is where things get interesting for the philosophical discussion, but boring in the sense of what some may be thinking based on film, books, games , etc. While you play a direct role in the other "You's" existence, there will be no face off for supremacy... well not in this model at least.

Up until now we have discussed the individuals experience within their own universe, but what happens when we these universes interact with one another? There are a number of variables which make this incalculable. There is no telling what may happen when universes collide, All we can say for certain is that these interactions will take place... between individuals, species, etc.

So let’s get some examples flowing, imagine someone cuts you off in traffic almost hitting your car, you give them a beep of the horn to say 'hey our cars may hit' and they jump out of their vehicle and attack your vehicle like the gif image below.


Road Rage

You don’t know this guy from a bar of soap, but he’s definitely a psycho right? Well yes, that is the role he plays in your universe, some crazy guy that lost his cool. However, if we ask his mother who he is, she may say "He’s a good boy who would never hurt anyone". If we then ask at his work who he is, we may get a response saying "He’s docile and lazy". Asking his children they may say, "He’s the best dad in the world".

So this one person is seen in four (4) different ways, not even considering what they think of themselves. What we have outlined here is that one individual can appear as a number of 'different people' depending on their interactions with others. In each of the universes of the observers, they all see the individual differently, as such, each universe has their "own version" of this person.


Character

With this understanding, let’s turn the spotlight to ourselves. We know who we are as individuals better than anyone else, our thoughts, feelings, intentions, etc. however, no one else can really know that, they only have an 'image of us' based on what they perceive of what we say and do. Like the image above implies, there is a stark difference between the tree and the shadow. The consideration is there are number of variables which influence the way the shadow is cast, from the angle of the sun to what the shadow is cast upon and everything in between.

Each 'being' you interact with in life has a 'version of you' living in their universe, these 'other you's' are influenced by you, but are at the same time separate from you. Like the reflection you see in the mirror, it resembles you, moves like you, acts as you do, however is still not quite you... but it exists.

The other 'You's' In Multiple Universes can be the hero or the villain, strong or weak, sinner or saint, a killer or a saviour... There are so many variables which can influence the outcome of 'who you are' in these other universes, this is because the image of ‘who you are’ is based on a combination of two (or more) universes. What we are left with is a feeling for the understanding that there are multiple versions of us in multiple universes.


Multiple Man

Conclusion

While i understand that for some this 'model' of multiple universes, and multiple versions of ourselves within those universes may seem anticlimactic. There is no epic battle to be had when we come face to face with ourselves, we will not "gain powers" by destroying our other selves, there is no dark timelines to cross into, etc.


Evil Abed

However, what it does bring to light is the importance of understanding that our actions have consequences, that we can hold a number of 'roles' which may seem in conflict, but most importantly we gain insight as to why it is so. This knowledge can go a long way to giving us the opportunity to apply interventions when necessary, and to also know when to quit trying to shift how particular individuals perceive us in their own universe.

By the very nature of the construct we can never unify all the roles into "one", our actions may be championed in one universe and be condemned in another. This only fortifies the understanding that the only universe that really matters is our own, while interacting with others is an important part of the human experience, appeasing others should not take precedence over our own autonomy and the pursuit of our own happiness.

I suppose in that sense there is a battle which rages between who we truly are and these 'images' of ourselves in other universes. The fight being lost when we allow a part of someone else's concept of who we are to take the primary role in that aspect of our existence. However, it is by no means a physical interaction, but more a psychological one that happens deep within the darkest corners of our very soul.


You vs You

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I love this discussion! I have been long fascinated by the idea of the Multiverse and by now am a firm believer in the existence of more than one reality (in a multiple of ways!) I had a crazy synchronicity the other day when I was watching a show that was about the multiverse (birds were chirping at 3:30 in the morning and I took it as a sign from the Cosmos to pay attention!). In the show, it was talking about how every action we make in our Universe, automatically effects the Multiverse. We have bonds and connections with certain people that cannot be shaken or we can't seem to escape which is from a bond that spans multiple realities. There are so many ways to think about the multiverse and I'm so excited that it's becoming a bigger and bigger topic!

Thanks for your comment @amethystmidnight, there are a number of models describing the multiverse, a good number of variations on said models, how they work, etc. and while there may be much debate on which is correct I find myself laughing a great deal as by the very nature of their own theories ALL could be , and possibly are, correct.

The basic understanding i take away from this is the importance of seeking and creating the "best universe" for myself, making the selections in life which best suite my needs. This is also paired with the awareness that disruptions to my universe by others is unpleasant, so making sure that my impact on others is minimal as well is also a considerable factor when making decisions.

Basically it has bought me just a tiny a bit closer to a point of equilibrium and peace... all from being humbled by how small each of us is in this universe, yet how powerful a force we can be :)

I like to think of the concept as learning to appreciate every aspect of ourselves for what they are and learn what we can from each of them. In the grandest sense of things there is no right or wrong or good or bad, there just is and it's only relevance is what we make of it. If we can embrace how we are and reconcile with how we truly want to be, the rest is all just the space between here and there.

On my first acid trip, I couldn't stop laughing because I realized that if 'world is but a stage' than everyone's just playing a role in my play. And I am playing a role in the life of others. And even if I would never leave my house and do the best to hide, there would always be someone who is bothered by my pure existence – maybe because of the fact that I am not meeting anyone – for whatever reason. This notion stayed with me since that day. It's a powerful tool to calm my mind. Was a pleasure reading your thoughts. Resteemed& followed.

thank you for your comment @mayb , yes, even if we are perfectly still we are in constant state of movement and decay, our impact on the very fabric of our universe and the universe's around us comes from the existence of our life energy... try as we may to escape it ;)

:D After I wrote this comment I got invited to take part in a contest on smoke.io. Thanks to your post I wrote about what I described in my comment and am for hours no.1 on their start page with it. xD Thanks for the inspiration! And if you don't know smoke.io, well … check it out: https://smoke.io/contest/@mayb/trippycontest4-you-moved-me-move-yourself-we-re-not-going-anywhere

good to see you did well with your expression of experience :) great job !!! i have been over there and had a look, but to be honest I dont write too much canna (or other substance)based articles, that's why i haven't gotten into that community to be honest, seems like a cool joint, but my non related content probably wouldn't be of much interest over there.

… a cool joint …

:) You're right about that. Both.

Maybe you're in my play and I'm the puppet master.

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lol. You've got no idea who you're talking to. But I do. So, thanks. Not interested. If you want to fight in the material world (which I know you wanna do), go ahead. I am a powerful witch, my friend. You wish …, you really do. xD

You've got no idea who you're talking to.

Woman, you should really click my profile. It's silly when you say it, but truthful when I do it.

You've got no idea who you're talking to.

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Wrong again. You messed with the wrong people and now the right people know who you are. That was the last thing I’m gonna say to you. Choose your battles wisely, dude.

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By all means, sacrifice a frog.

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If other dimensions do exist they're probably boring and stupid because this version of me isn't in them.

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thanks for the comment @nathanpieters , maybe there is a universe where you exist as another you (even multiple you's) AND you from this universe as well, maybe there is a universe of JUST YOU'S!!!! :P

Then call me Rick Sanchez lol

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Tiny Rick is da best... that song tho....

Hahahaha

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for those that wanna know how to jam it on guitar...

@mfxae86 sorry for the negativity in your comments but it was just an example. ;)
My inner world is a little messy at this point in time & space. This is how I reflected a conflict with someone who's fully armed in a materialistic kind of way into my reality. I hope you don't mind it became a part of your reality as well that way. I promise to never again express negativity below a post like yours here.
This is exactly the kind of content I want to read! I love the topic and you definitely have some writing skills. Was a pleasure.

@mayb all good, these things happen and its all part of our growth. every experience, good or bad, has a lesson for us to learn both about others and ourselves... even about the reality we are experiencing.

We have free will and we choose to interact in ways we see as appropriate, these concepts may not always align with others... but to appreciate the day we must experience the night, and vice versa. Without these contrasts we can lack options and choice, the ability to make the distinction of what we prefer and wish to gravitate towards.

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