I continuously grapple with this intricate web of thought that intertwines infinity, atomic structure, and consciousness. It’s predicated on the assumption that if time truly is infinite, then there isn’t just a probability, but an inevitability, that all the matter in the universe will align exactly as they are now.
(I posted this over at c/stonerthoughts, where it will inevitably die without a single interaction, but this is an ongoing pervasive thought I have, and i just wanted to put it out there for more eyes to see.)
This possibility stems from the Poincaré recurrence theorem, a principle in mathematics and physics which suggests that certain systems will, given a sufficiently long but finite time, return to a state almost identical to their initial state. Now, if we consider the universe to be such a system, it implies that given infinite time, every atomic configuration that has ever occurred will inevitably reoccur.
Now, let’s venture deeper. If our consciousness is an emergent property of a specific atomic arrangement, then the recurrence of that atomic arrangement implies the recurrence of that conscious experience. Hence, if we’re bound to this specific arrangement of matter, and time is infinite, are we not then destined to relive this conscious experience an infinite number of times?
The implications are staggering. It suggests a form of cosmic reincarnation, a cyclic existence governed not by spiritual dogma but by the immutable laws of the universe.
My next step is trying to figure out how this concept could integrate with the theory of an afterlife. Also the infinite nature of the individuals conscience, being the observer and therefore the centre of their own universe.
What’s your take on this perspective? How does it change your understanding of consciousness, existence, and our role within this infinite cosmic dance?
No, sorry. While that sounds lovely it breaks two major things.
Entropy (second law of thermodynamics)
The expansion of the universe doesn’t seem to be slowing. This doesn’t just mean stars and galaxies getting further from each other but the space between subatomic particles are getting further from each other.
Given intimate time the universe will just be a random collection of particles drifting further and further apart.
The issue of entropy, as dictated by the second law of thermodynamics, indeed presents a significant challenge to the idea of recurring atomic configurations. However, we need to consider the concept of ‘Poincaré recurrence time’.
We are talking about an extremely long timescale—far exceeding the current age of the universe—upon which certain mathematical models suggest a system could return to a state close to its initial one.
While at first glance, this seems to defy the increase in entropy, it’s not necessarily the case. The law of increasing entropy applies to closed systems and determines the direction of time, moving from less probable (lower entropy) states to more probable (higher entropy) ones. But given an infinite amount of time, even extremely low-probability events like a return to a lower entropy state could occur, simply because they aren’t strictly impossible.
On the subject of universal expansion, you’re absolutely correct. Current data suggests that the universe’s expansion isn’t slowing down. However, our understanding of dark energy and the true mechanics of the universe’s expansion remains incomplete. There could be a turning point we’re not yet aware of, or might the nature of the universe oscillate over cycles that dwarf our current understanding of time.
(I appreciate your detailed response, I love going onto deep dives into this.)