- Nothing is pre-written

(Extract from Chapter I)

….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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