| Physics might seem far removed from personal growth, but what if understanding the universe’s fundamental laws could help you understand your place in it? It’s common to strive for the modern ideal of significance – fame, success, impact. But the truth is, we’re more connected and influential than we think. Maybe more significant than we want to be. Most people see physics as a collection of abstract theories about particles, complicated math, distant galaxies. Interesting, maybe, but not exactly relevant to the much closer to home business of figuring out who you are and what you’re here to do. But I’d argue that a basic understanding of physics can be a great foundation for understanding our place in the world. By learning the principles that govern the universe, you could gain insights into your own nature and find a clearer sense of purpose. Let’s look at the common feeling of isolation. It’s natural to feel like isolated beings separate from each other, separate from nature. It’s natural because we’ve been conditioned to think so. Here’s a screenshot of the definition of nature taken right from the web: |
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| The common definition of nature says it’s everything… except for us. The separation of humans from nature became pronounced in the 17th and 18th centuries due to the rise of scientific thinking and René Descartes’ Cartesian Dualism. Descartes’ mind-body split viewed the mind as separate from the physical world. This theory positioned nature as an external, mechanistic entity. This perspective was reinforced by the Enlightenment, which saw nature as something to be studied, controlled, and utilized by us rational human beings. While Descartes did lay the groundwork for modern science and rational inquiry, we’re still recovering from the impact of this today. This worldview prioritizes rationality over embodied experience. It underlies so many modern issues that we’re still digging up. But we don’t just deal with this in the modern West. In the Hindu culture, the illusion of separation is called Maya. In Buddhism, Anatta. The Lakota/Dakota/Nakota people have various terms and phrases that capture the idea that the perceived separation is not real, or that the individual is part of a larger whole like Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ (Mee-TAH-koo-yay Oh-YAH-seen). In spiritual cultures all over the world, the illusion of separateness is addressed because it’s important. But spiritual theory isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Here we can look to physics. Quantum mechanics, also challenges the idea of separation. Particles light-years apart can influence each other instantly. This suggests that you, too, are not separate but part of an intricate cosmic web. That fact alone might not stir you much. So, let’s break it down. If you are really connected to everything, then every thought, action, and emotion you experience is more than just a private affair. It reverberates through the larger system. This means that your personal growth, your struggles, your achievements… they’re not insignificant. They’re part of everything, everywhere, all at once. That’s a good movie, by the way. If particles billions of miles apart can influence each other, then your choices and actions ripple out in ways you may never fully comprehend. This perspective can transform how you see your everyday life. We’re not navigating our own personal indifferent worlds. We’re actively contributing to and co-creating the fabric of reality. Your life, my life, we are significant. Understanding this interconnectedness can help dissolve the illusion that we’re alone in our struggles or separate from the impact we want to have. Our challenges, and wins, have meaning and impact beyond our individual lives. By connecting with this broader view, we can find a sense of purpose and belonging that alleviates the burden of isolation. This can empower us to take actions, big or small, that positively influence not just ourselves but the wider community. We’re not just passive observers. We’re active participants in shaping both our lives and the world around us. So, the next time you’re faced with a difficult decision or feel like your actions don’t matter, remember that they are part of a much larger, intricate experience. Now, how vital of a role do you want to play? That’s up to you. Cheers,Jeff Depatie |
A Case for Physics
