….It was Isaac Newton who first
attempted to convince people that if we had a computer sufficiently powerful to
make the necessary calculations regarding the location and movement of all
particles, we would be able to predict their future positions and, in theory,
calculate the precise state of the universe at any time. This deterministic
view endorsed the notion that the fate of the world is set in advance and that,
if we had the right technology, the future could be accessed. Our destiny,
according to this notion, is already written and contained in the intricate
world of particles. This view was later endorsed by Albert Einstein as well. A
real-life example to illustrate the point is that if you can calculate the
exact position and velocity of a ball in a snooker game, you should also be
able to calculate where all the balls will end up after your shot.
As scientific research grew more
sophisticated, it was inevitable that this view would be disputed; the main
challenge emerged from works on quantum theory and, more specifically, the
uncertainty principle. The uncertainty principle states that it is impossible
to measure both the position and the momentum of a particle completely accurately
at the same time, thus making predictions about future events unattainable. But
an even more profound principle threw a final knock-out punch at the notion of
predictability; quantum theory dictates that when we observe quantum objects
(the smallest discrete physical units), they do not move along a well-defined
path. Thus we can only estimate the probability (how likely it is) that the
observed object will be detected in a given spot at a future time. In other
words, if we observe a particle moving in a certain direction, it is not
certain that this particle will end up where we expect it to, so it is
impossible to predict any future state of affairs with complete accuracy. No matter
how accurately you calculate the velocity and position of a snooker ball, you
can never precisely anticipate its destination or the destination of the other
balls. The destiny of a particle cannot be predicted, and this compels us to
acknowledge that the future is unpredictable at all levels of existence.
We can now confidently conclude
that although evolution induces us to converge into a particular path of
progress, life is not predetermined. The evidence strongly suggests that
evolution follows the law of probabilities, just as in quantum mechanics.
Although nothing is pre-written,
there are strong forces that prompt us to move in certain directions. Like all
other species, we have a pool of evolutionary options, and we evolve by moving
within these options, moment to moment following the path that is most likely
to benefit us.
“Principle 2 of
Effective Thinking states that nothing is pre-written. To a significant degree,
we are responsible for manufacturing our own destiny, which we do from moment
to moment when making choices and implementing decisions, although we are
prompted to live and prosper within certain paths.”
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