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