Recently, there have been a lot of movies about multiverse. I particularly enjoy the movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once”. This movie appeals to those with much potential but, for one reason or another, cannot actualize them. It gives you the hope that in one of those multiverses, you have made the right decision and actualized your potential.
The notion of multiple parallel universes originates in the theory of quantum physics, particularly in the concept of superposition, which suggests that various states can coexist until observed. The Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) posits that when quantum events offer multiple potential outcomes, each of these outcomes materializes in a distinct branch of the multiverse. This interpretation serves as a way to address the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, where all feasible results unfold across different branches of this multiverse.
Contrary to common portrayals in popular films, it’s important to clarify that quantum events, not human decisions, are responsible for dividing the universe into multiple branches. Since typical human cells consist of trillions of atoms, quantum events at the microscopic level often offset each other, rendering single quantum events inconsequential in the macroscopic realm. Even when such events impact the macroscopic world, their effects propagate slowly to the human scale.
In a separate discussion concerning 人工智能 (AI), I drew an analogy between the human brain and AI systems. Our decision-making process hinges on our response to events, influenced by the data model within our brains—essentially, our character. Quantum fluctuations play a minimal role in shaping our decisions.
Even in the hypothetical scenario of an infinite number of universes within the multiverse concept, certain outcomes may still have infinitesimally small probabilities of occurring. This is because the concept of infinity is not a guarantee of every conceivable event happening but implies an endless continuum. When you multiply an infinite number of universes by the likelihood of an exceedingly rare event, the result is not necessarily an actual number. In mathematics, dividing infinity by infinity is considered undefined, and the result can be infinite, an actual number, or zero, depending on the specific circumstances and constraints involved.
Therefore, no matter how many universes one explores within the multiverse concept, scenarios as extreme and contradictory as Mother Teresa being an axe murderer remain exceedingly improbable, as the laws of physics and probability still govern these outcomes. The idea that everything, everywhere, all at once is far from the truth.
I don’t subscribe to the idea of the multiverse; since it is a pseudo-science, there is no way to communicate with those universes. Therefore, one can never prove or disprove it. However, I’ve been thinking much about how God interacts with the universe, and suddenly, a new concept that involves the multiverse occurred to me.
I must stress that it is a new concept, and it is half-baked. I’m unsure where this is a good model for understanding how God interacts with the world, but I hope it will provoke some thoughts and pave the way for future discussions.
In many physics problems, it’s a common scenario that we can formulate the problem with equations, but finding an analytical solution is often elusive. In such cases, computational methods become essential, and one prevalent approach is called successive approximation. In complex systems, when we aim to understand the system’s response, a trial-and-error method is frequently employed to discover the optimal solution. One of the most widely used techniques for this purpose is the Monte Carlo Simulation, named after the renowned Monte Carlo Casino. In this simulation, a substantial amount of random input is introduced into the system, and the outcome for each input is computed. An algorithm is then utilized to select the best outcome as the starting point for the next generation of simulations. It often can take a lot of computing power to perform such calculations. I know people who spend most of their Ph.D. time trying to create approximations to the solution so things can be calculated in a reasonable amount of time.
Conventional computing processes information sequentially, which is not highly efficient. To enhance computing effectiveness, people often incorporate additional CPUs into the system. However, doubling the number of CPUs does not necessarily result in a twofold increase in speed. This is because time is lost in inter-CPU communication, and there are often delays while waiting for other CPUs to complete their tasks before further progress can be made. In contrast, quantum computing harnesses the principle of superposition within the realm of quantum mechanics. Unlike classical computing, where information is stored as a binary array of 0s and 1s, quantum computers utilize qubits as their fundamental storage units. Each qubit can simultaneously hold multiple states in superposition. Consequently, quantum computers have the capability to process information in parallel, leading to significantly faster processing speeds compared to conventional computing.
Quantum computing is currently in its early stages, demanding the maintenance of extremely low temperatures and lacking a mass production infrastructure. At present, only a select few companies have operational quantum computers. Drawing a parallel, when IBM introduced the mainframe computer in the 1950s, these machines occupied entire rooms. Fast forward 70 years, and your smartphone boasts significantly more power than those room-sized mainframes. Likewise, it’s difficult to fathom the kind of computing power that may fit in the palm of your hand in the coming decades.
In a previous discussion, I introduced the concept of an adaptive predictive feedback control system as a model for comprehending how God interacts with the physical world. This model parallels artificial intelligence systems, suggesting that God can assess your past actions to predict your future choices and employ an extensive simulation to determine the most effective approach to guide you toward the correct path.
In the classic science fiction work “The Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy,” there’s a humorous premise where Earth is portrayed as a giant computer designed to find the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything. While originally intended as a joke, it’s intriguing to consider that reality might not be too far removed from such imaginative concepts. Is the whole earth a giant quantum computer?
Currently, I’m contemplating the intriguing notion that God could potentially employ the multiverse as an extensive quantum computer simulator. Within this speculative scenario, every conceivable event has already transpired within the mind of God. In this conceptual framework, God simulates all potential human responses and explores the vast array of possible outcomes, subsequently collapsing the wave function to actualize events that align with His ultimate purpose.
It’s crucial to underscore that this concept remains entirely speculative, but it offers a coherent framework that resonates with specific ideas. I intend to delve deeper into this concept, refining it with the hope that it sparks engaging discussions and contributes to a deeper understanding of these complex concepts.