Quantum theory teaches us the very act of measuring a quantity or an event alters it. Things do not exist as binary, yes or no phenomena. They are statistical wave functions that are collapsed by the act of observation.

Thermodynamics is all about the flow of energy from areas of low disorder to increasing disorder, that the concept of energy itself is intimately associated with the concepts of complexity and information.

The only constant, immutable quantity known is nature is the speed at which it is possible to transmit information: c. c is algebraically related to matter and energy (E = Mc**2). c is written in terms of units of space and time (c = s/t). The universe can be entirely understood as matter and energy interacting in time and space. What else is there?

Observation, measurement, order, complexity, information–these are all ideas associated with perception, which in turn is all about consciousness. Thought and intelligence are intimately involved with the universe, it doesn’t make any sense to talk about one and not the other. The universe needs consciousness to impose order on it or it is simply undifferentiated chaos. The universe had to create us in order to establish its own existence, because without observation or measurement the whole ‘scientific’ concept of reality is simply gibberish. We need to be here. We have a right to be here. Maybe even a duty.

If a tree falls in the forest it will certainly make a noise, but it doesn’t really matter unless someone hears it.

–Firesign Theater

“The search will continue. Not until the empirical resources are exhausted, need we pass on to the dreamy realms of speculation.”

Edwin Hubble – The Realm of the Nebulae (1936)

- Buckaroo Banzai

I suppose then it would stand to reason you ARE the *center* of the Universe.

Odd….I have to ponder this some more.

I have always felt like an observer.

I like the idea that we are all from star dust.

infinity is quite daunting

I am not nearly as important as I once imagined.

That is actually a comforting thought for me.

I try very tenaciously, to turn every negative experience into a positive experience now. It becomes easier and easier as time passes. The pay off for me is beyond words.

When the universe does affect me, I have no choice but to do something about it. I can’t stop it, or change it very profoundly. I strongly suspect when I’m gone, the universe will still be here. But I derive no comfort from that, in fact, it doesn’t do me much good to know that.

All I know is that one day I woke up in this universe, no one consulted me, no one asked my permission. And I have to sit here in the middle of it for some unknown length of time until I am no longer here, whatever that means. I had nothing to do with any of this, it’s not my fault. I am not responsible for any of this.

OK, I’m not an unreasonable man, I don’t resent cooperating with the reality around me, the old give and take, the old in and out. I’m willing to share, I’m willing to help. I’m willing to follow the rules.

But I see no reason why I should have to put up with any shit…not that there’s much I can do about it, but at least I don’t have to like it.