Déjà vu at the Cusp of Infinity

"Every moment of time contains a certain number of possibilities, at times a small number, at others a great number, but never an infinite number. It is necessary to realize that there are possibilities and impossibilities. I can take from this table and throw on the floor a piece of paper, a pencil, or an ashtray, but I cannot take from the table and throw on the floor an orange which is not on the table. This clearly defines the difference between possibility and impossibility. There are several combinations of possibilities in relation to things which can be thrown on the floor from this table. I can throw a pencil, or a piece of paper, or an ashtray, or else a pencil and a piece of paper, or a pencil and an ashtray, or a piece of paper and an ashtray, or all three together, or nothing at all. There are only these possibilities. If we take as a moment of time the moment when these possibilities exist, then the next moment will be a moment of the actualization of one of these possibilities. A pencil is thrown on the floor. This is the actualization of one of the possibilities. Then a new moment comes. This moment also has a certain number of possibilities in a certain definite sense. And the moment after it will again be a moment of the actualization of one of these possibilities...But all the possibilities that have been created or have originated in the world must be actualized... The sixth dimension is the line of the actualization of all possibilities."

-- P.D. Ouspensky (1878-1047), esotericist, "In Search of the Miraculous"

Past, present, and future are separated by the distance of time. But, wait.  I'm a proponent of the theory that time does not exist,  that time is simply a human construct which gives structure to our lives on this plane of existence.  So, let's try to view time in this context, shall we?

The distance of time can be measured negatively, or positively, from the zero point of now. Reading Ouspensky's explanation, above, I would have to say time is finite, as it may come to an end just as abruptly as it began, assuming, of course, that "nothing" existed before.

"To say that prediction is the purpose of a scientific theory is to confuse means with ends. It is like saying that the purpose of a spaceship is to burn fuel. … Passing experimental tests is only one of many things a theory has to do to achieve the real purpose of science, which is to explain the world."

-- David Deutsch, quantum physicist

I would offer that "nothing" is something, or it would not have a name and a description. Time, like nothing, is a perception defined in our mind which gives an order to our lives, the world, the universe, and everything. Time consists of fluid, finite, intersecting layers; one time becomes another, then another, as future crosses past, past crosses present. The common thread in this ballet would seem to be us and our perception.

Like gravity, friends attract friends, and lovers attract lovers. The difference is the strength of the bond they form. The bond will form and continue to exist regardless of time and, therefore, will transcend space and time. Friends that attract friends in the past, will surely attract that friend in the future, if the bond was strong; lovers before will be lovers again for the same reason. The emotion will be as two sub-conscious homing beacons, drawing the common threads of our existence back together again, for better or worse.

If we accept another theory in this physical world, six degrees of separation where everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any person in the world, then we should assume this theorem holds true as a universal law, or we would be selling God short. We must make the quantum leap that everyone is six or fewer steps away in one or more dimensional interpretations which are also finite, from everyone we have ever known or loved. If the theorem holds, then what a small universe it truly is.  But, does the theorem hold?  What if we consider the 10th dimension of infinite possibilities, where everything that is possible and imaginable exists? Bullshit?

Supposedly a quantum experiment confirmed that reality doesn't exist if you aren't looking at it.  Is the existence of our reality really in question?  Or, could it be that if we conceive of something, our thought is a real thought, the only thing holding us back from bringing our thought into this plane of existence is the means to make it tangible.

"Mathematical knowledge may, just like our scientific knowledge, be deep and broad, it may be subtle and wonderfully explanatory, it may be uncontroversially accepted, but it cannot be certain."

-- David Deutsch, quantum physicist

Judith Orloff, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA, views "déjà vu" as "a memory of a dream, a precognition, a coincidental overlapping of events or even a past life experience in which we rekindle ancient alliances. What matters is that it draws us closer to the mystical. It is an offering, an opportunity for additional knowledge about ourselves and others."  Scientists will say "déjà vu" is merely a trick the mind plays on us. My thought on the "scientific" view?  This coming from science which can't find a cure for the common cold, and every time they utter the word "impossible" they're made to look like fools. If you buy their déjà vu explanation, belly up to the bar, the Kool Aid is fine.

Of course, as always, this is just my opinion, just as P.D. Ouspensky's is his. Neither is definitive, though Ouspensky has a bit more clout than yours truly, and simply trying to grasp his opinions tends to make my head hurt. I like to operate on facts as assumptions until they prove themselves out.  Nothing is definitive until it is, and when it is, it is what it is, until it isn't, and then it is what it is, again.  Reality is what we make of it, and I wish some people would stay out of mine and quit mucking it up.  If you get your pond as smooth as glass, someone will surely drop a pebble in it; I am secure in the knowledge I have something to do.

We all have opinions.  This is why I'm sure you have one of your own after reading this short offering from the Cusp of Infinity.  If you have formed no opinion, don't fret too much over it.  I'm sure you will eventually find an opinion of your own, if not on this topic then on another, if not in this life then in the next.

"The quantum theory of parallel universes is not the problem, it is the solution. It is not some troublesome, optional interpretation emerging from arcane theoretical considerations. It is the explanation—the only one that is tenable—of a remarkable and counter-intuitive reality."

-- David Deutsch, quantum physicist

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.