Its A Quantum Thing

We don't need to understand quantum physics entirely in order to appreciate it. Even those who have devoted their lives to the study of the universe and its atomic structure will admit that many mysteries remain. Well, I love mysteries, so let's set the scene for this one...

There's a Big Bang. "Whoosh!" go all the molecules. Much swirling commences. Fast forward 12 billion years (give or take a billion) to present day. People all over the world watch sci-fi movies, read physics texts, attend harmonic convergence gatherings, study nanotechnology, and gaze at the stars. Our questions: How did we get here? Who are we? Where is here? Why? What next?

If you're expecting quantum theory to answer those questions, you're going to be disappointed. However, it does give us some heady new ways to anticipate those answers.

Let's take a look at some terms. Back in the fifth century BC, our Greek friend Democritus had the idea that all matter is ultimately made up of tiny grains that cannot be divided into smaller pieces. He called these little pieces "atoms" for the Greek phrase "a-tomos" which means "uncuttable". Poor Democritus didn't have the advantage of sophisticated microscopes, so it's not surprising that, centuries later, it was discovered that atoms are actually cuttable. In fact, atoms are themselves made up of tiny particles we've dubbed neutrons, protons, electrons and neutrinos.

But it doesn't stop there. Now we're thinking that leptons, along with quarks, are the tiniest of particles of all and currently considered the ultimate building blocks of nature. Since we keep finding particles inside particles and adding new names to pieces of atoms, it's easier to refer to the smallest chunks into which something can be divided as quanta. The German physicist Max Planck first proposed that energy might come in little pieces called quanta back in the early 1900s. So when we talk about quantum theory, we're just referring to the whole set of ideas surrounding the microscopic world of atoms.

Along comes Albert Einstein, who recognizes that this whole idea of quantum physics turns classical physics on its head and spins it around. Here all these scientists had developed theories and precise formulas for calculating predictably and consistently the ways in which bodies move. Now there's this idea that little particles actually behave in ways we can't predict with certainty. These tiny quanta are mysterious. They respond sometimes as particles, and sometimes as waves, and we can't always tell which way they're going to go. If a particle is traveling from point A to point B, we can guess its path, but the tinier the particle, the less sure we are that that exact path is the one taken. In fact-hold on to your hat here-we've come to understand that not only do we not know the exact path, but that the particles may actually be in two places at once.

Think that's radical? Back in 1957, a Princeton graduate student named Hugh Everett proposed what is called the "Many Worlds" interpretation. According to his dissertation, quantum theory (the variable behavior of atoms) is true not just for atoms but for everything-like tables, flower pots, SUVs, and even people. Everett was actually stating that these big things could, like tiny pieces of atoms, be in many places at once.

It gets wilder. Everett hypothesized that if you observe a sports utility vehicle (SUV) which is in two places at once, your mind will also end up in two states at once-one which perceives that SUV in one place, and another which perceives it in another place! So, really, there would be two versions of you and each one would perceive a world in which there is a different version of the SUV. Not only that, but these two selves and these two SUVs don't exist in a vacuum. They actually interact with each other!

This whole concept of multiple realities was a big boon for science fiction writers. The truth is that these ideas are generally considered plausible but not in relation to the large-scale world. We don't have a way of manifesting alternate universes full of multiple SUVs (thankfully) so we can't really test it.

But there is one area of the Big World (that which we can see without microscopes) that will be completely revolutionized by quantum theory, and that's the development of quantum computers. In quantum computers, experimenters are taking advantage of the ability of particles such as atoms to be in many places at once to do many calculations simultaneously.

Talk about high-speed connections. Quantum computers could solve in seconds problems that would take conventional computers millions of years to decipher.

We're talking WAY beyond quickly downloading your email, obviously. What does this mean for the world? What will these quantum computers do? The staggering truth is that a quantum computer will actually perform in different realities-it will be engaging huge numbers of versions of other computers in alternate universes.

Freaky, huh? But real, and coming soon-or at least, eventually.

Next time you find yourself daydreaming about how your life could be different, ramp it up a notch. Think about quantum physics and the Many Worlds theory. Consider that your life might already be different in some other reality! If it's possible that it exists exactly as you dream it, there's no reason you can't create it here. And heck, you only have to do it in one universe. Piece of cake!

Make that multiple pieces.

About The Author

Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 90 countries. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, visit http://www.massageyourmind.com.

maya@massageyourmind.com

---

Innovation Management ? 5 Ideas An Hour

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be... Read More

Managing Creativity and Innovation, Part 1 of 2

Leaders, consultants and managers must be competent in at least thirteen domains to even begin effectively managing creativity and innovation. Part 1 of Managing Creativity and Innovation covers the first seven of these... Read More

Mindfulness and Beliefs: Irrationally Yours

I can't help it--I am a confirmed neuroscience geek.So I was very excited to attend the fifth brain lecture in a series (yes, I bought season tickets!) sponsored by Oregon Health Sciences University.... Read More

Solve Problems With A Word List

To creatively solve problems you need to get your mind looking in new directions. You can systematically do this by using a list of words, primarily adjectives, to create "what if?" scenarios. You... Read More

Innovation Management ? Famous Failures!

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly,... Read More

How To Be An Innovator In A World Of Change

Innovators are opportunity-oriented.What's the hidden opportunity in that problem? Where is the opportunity in that trend? How can this be made to work better? Innovators search for the unsolved problems, the markets inefficiencies,... Read More

Life ? The Teacher

You've probably heard the phrase "repetition is the mother of learning" well apparently it's also the mother of teaching. Often it seems, Life ? The Teacher uses the tool of repetition to imprint... Read More

Think Outside The Cup and Saucer

There were four of us at dinner. Three ordered "regular" coffee, the fourth requested "decaf." Every so often a server, carrying two pitchers, refilled the coffee cups and knowingly poured three cups from... Read More

Business Innovation ? Confidence in People

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be... Read More

Creativity Management ? Theres Nothing New Under the Sun

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be... Read More

Innovation Management ? Isolating Problems and Implementing Solutions

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be... Read More

Humankinds Greatest Inventions

There are a number of amazing inventions that have been created during the course of human history. Some of the great ones that come to mind are:--The printing press--The electric light--Electrical power plants... Read More

The Pendulum Swings Right - A Major Shift is Happening Inside Our Brains

The world is now changing again, it appears. The logical and analytical skills that continue to form the basis of Western economies is slowly shifting, according to the savvy American business observer Daniel... Read More

Innovation Management ? moving past the wall

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly,... Read More

Mother Of Invention Or Dummy? You Decide!

What would you say to yourself if when faced with a severe problem that could potentially devastate your lifestyle? What would happen if you "did" the first thing that came into your mind?... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management - Good Ideas Part 1

The constant search for Good Ideas has resulted in many techniques for generating them. Part 1 of Good Ideas will briefly discuss Franklin's (2003) research into the types of ideas that are most... Read More

Innovation and Competitive Advantage

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be... Read More

Accelerate Your Learning

Although you may not currently be a student, learning is a life long process. Perhaps you need to learn something new for your job, or you would like to learn a new language... Read More

Thousands of Failures, but Thousands of Patents

Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before he revolutionized the world by inventing and patenting the incandescent light bulb. Because of his desire to create the incandescent light, he was one of the... Read More

What Dreams Will Come!

As the pioneers of aviation took to the air (not skies), in their human powered mechanical contraptions, what must have been said and thought?Complicated pulleys and chain systems enclosing a lunatic, perhaps!Or overly... Read More

Intuition Power In Three Steps

Have you ever used your intuition to solve problems? Can you trust your intuition? Can you improve it?What Is Intuition?Intuition is simply a feeling, sense, or hunch based on information not available to... Read More

Howd They Do That?

"How'd they do that?" I asked myself time and time again in my youth.As a journalist and documentary filmmaker, I witnessed ordinary people performing extraordinary feats on countless occasions. I documented individuals in... Read More

Business Innovation ? the Best Ideas

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be... Read More

Innovation

Innovation, in a business context, is generally thought of as the product or application of creativity. Peter F. Drucker suggests that innovation "is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship."Mr. Drucker further suggests that there... Read More

6 Steps to Super Mindpower

Ever hear "You can't teach an old dog a new trick?" Well that might be true for dogs, but it's NOT TRUE for humans! Today's research has proven your brain can continue to... Read More

Improve Your Business Dealings with Improvisation

"Nothing is accidental ... use everything." -- Keith JohnstoneEven the best-laid plans, the proverb goes, go oft astray. And by learning how to improvise like actors or jazz musicians, corporate types can better... Read More

The Hidden Superpowers Of Your Mind

The mind is an infinite wonder. It has the fantastic ability to transmute your desires into their physical counterparts. You can do anything that your mind can conceive, as long as you have... Read More

Use Your Intuition As a Valuable Tool for Change

Here's a subject that we don't normally think of when we think about change. Yet, intuition can be a very powerful force for change if we honor it fully. So let's take four... Read More

Success Tip From Yachting - Try To Fix The Problem Yourself

At 28, Ellen MacArthur is a world record holder. In 2005, she broke the speed record for sailing solo non stop around the world.As a reward and to recognize her great achievement, she... Read More