The unified theory in physics - and happiness?
Understanding often comes with a change in perspective
“You are here!” Image by the author.
Approx. 1300 words; 8 minutes read time
The loftiest goal in physics research is to discover a unified theory of everything. This key to the universe, if found, could unlock untold potential. Unlimited energy and even time travel could be possible if we understood it.
The problem is, what we know so far doesn't add up.
An ever-present challenge in physics is the mathematical inconsistency between prevailing theories. Physicists cannot reconcile these at the extremes - exceedingly small or infinitely grand scales. The assumption of continuity in space-time is lost.
But could seeing the problem differently - from another perspective - be the answer? In a recent article, physicist and author Tim Andersen shares several overlapping theories on the universe that are process-oriented vs. mechanistic. They do away with space-time as a constant or “given” in the universe. Instead, what we perceive as space and time might be an illusion, according to theory, generated by the actions taking place. Einstein proposed as much but fell short of proving it in his theory of general relativity.
"[M]otion, not property, is fundamental. There is no "thing" moving. There is simply moving." ~Tim Andersen, in Space and time might be illusions
I won't pretend to understand even an inkling of the math involved. But the concept - that action, and not space, is the basis of the universe - is compelling.
One takeaway from all this theorizing is that perspective alone could be limiting our success. In both physics and life, how we see things often dictates what else we can see.
We've all solved a problem that seemed intractable by looking at it in another way. "Sleep on it," so that we can shed our blindspots and approach challenges effectively. It works. By changing our perspective, we find solutions.
Having action precede being is an upheaval in how we see the universe. Perhaps this thinking is equally useful in our everyday lives.
"I think; therefore, I am," proclaimed Descartes. And rightfully so. So why then do we act as if "I am; therefore, I think?"
Thinking and not being could be the basis for satisfaction in life.
Yes, I think; therefore, I am. So I choose to think - and feel - what I want.
Is the Unified Theory of Happiness this simple?
We are physical beings in a physical universe. At least we believe we are, from a mechanistic perspective. Each of us is a collection of matter - the same kind of matter in all the planets, stars, and galaxies. We exist as physical entities, and we move and think in this tangible world. We exist, and thus we can do all the human things we do. If we didn't exist, we couldn't develop, be happy, fall in love, suffer misfortune, grow old, and die. But as many philosophers have postulated, "existing" does not make us human. It's what we do as thinking animals that characterizes humanity. This is a more process-oriented view of human existence.
It follows that thinking, and not being, is fundamental to human nature. Can we think - or will - something into being? For example, if I want to be happy, then I decide to be happy, and it is so. Possible? For some, the answer is a resounding, “yes.”
Buddhist thought points to this idea - that our perspective is fundamental to inner peace. The universe around us is out of our control, but how we perceive it becomes our reality. If we exist in sadness, for example, then our world is sad. If we choose to be content, then our world is fine the way it is. The point is, our perspective, not the universe, dictates our state of being.
Martin Buber, in his book I and Thou, argued a similar viewpoint. It's how we approach a problem and not the problem itself that dictates the outcome. Buber maintained perceiving others as self, rather than other instills real empathy. And Immanuel Kant did so on the metaphysics of morality. Kant pondered whether our moral perspective and not absolute morality mattered more. The point is, philosophers have considered "perspective" in addressing humanity's condition for ages. So why aren't we all happier because if it?
Sometimes life is pretty darn crappy, that's why.
Trust me; I know crappy first hand. I've had my share of downs over the years, and as an adult, I would say I've spent more time sad than I have happy. But why? My life has been average. Some good. Some bad. A few tragedies and more than a fair share of fortune. My life, as unique as it has been, is like everyone else's. So why have I not been happier? Is it all in my head?
A good friend of mine, Jacey, is a happy person. She has her own unique life, just like mine and yours. But she is happy. More content than most, I would say. In talking about happiness with her, I learned Jacey made a conscious decision to be happy.
"I feel like I am carrying this big secret - the secret to happiness. But it is that simple. I decided to be happy, and now I am."
That's it.
Her life isn't perfect by far, but she takes it all in stride and remains optimistic, owing to her perspective.
For some, this might not be an earth-shattering revelation. All those blissful people out there have known happiness is a choice all along. We've heard this "secret to happiness" in countless forms many times over. Happiness is not about good fortune; it's about having a good outlook.
But knowing something and implementing it are two different things.
In physics, scientists have considered process-oriented vs. mechanistic theories since at least the 1800s. The challenge is an underlying acceptance that what we see and experience is real. Space and time feel real - so much so that we believe they must somehow shape everything.
Even though we know space-time is inconsistent, our default assumption is the opposite.
The same is true with happiness.
External things make us sad. Right? Ask any of the countless people who've lost a loved one to COVID-19. Or talk with a person who is out of a job and can't pay their bills. And imagine all who were affected by the evil that took place 19 years ago today (this story was first published on the anniversary of 9/11). Anyone who’s suffered will tell you that bad things do happen and they make us sad. And if sadness is externally caused, then it follows happiness is too. It must be external like space and time are external realities.
Only they aren't.
Happiness is about choosing to be okay with things, even when the world around us is miserable. Life will always have its problems. But that doesn't mean we can't be happy. If so, no one would be happy - because every one of us has our problems (circular, yes; but it’s true - ask a happy person).
So it's not the circumstances around us that define our reality. It's what we decide to do and believe that does. It's our perspective - that thinking and not being that determines our condition.
As for the universal theory of everything? I’m more eager to learn about its discovery than anything else. Perhaps even more than first contact. But I’m still waiting.
One thing we don’t have to wait any longer for is the Universal Theory of Happiness. It’s far simpler than anything in physics, to be sure. It's a basic formula founded on perspective.
I think I am happy; therefore, I am.
So as we wait for endless energy and time travel, we can at least be here in the moment, alive and happy in this incomprehensible universe.
Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.
JRC
John, thank you for including me in your article! I am honored :) And, I feel your Universal Theory of Happiness is true. In midlife I have come to believe that happiness is a choice, and with awareness of my thoughts I can keep a positive outlook and feel good most of the time. The challenge, as you mentioned, is staying positive in difficult times. For me, developing this perspective required getting to the bottom of things, or more accurately, the center of self. I feel that self-love and gratitude are what makes sustaining a positive mindset possible. And one last essential part of the equation: being in the moment, fully present. Living now! Thank you for your inspiring work. Your analogy is very fitting.
Happiness, like love, is a choice. Doesn’t come easy, but it’s there for us to embrace. Thank you for so eloquently and elegantly putting it :)