Everything around you looks solid and real. You can constantly touch, feel, and observe a three-dimensional physical reality which makes questioning it seem a little absurd. However, if you think deep enough, you may stumble upon fascinating ideas that will sound like science fiction or pure imagination, but could be very real truths. Here are three theories that have emerged from the minds of philosophers and scientists who utilized their mental capabilities to dive deep in the ocean of thoughts and create wonderful ideas that will probably make you dive too.
1. We may be living in a multiverse.
Some physics theories illustrate that the universe we observe may be one among an infinite number of universes. Scientists did not yet discover the ultimate nature of space-time, but many think it is flat and stretches out infinitely. However, there are only a finite number of ways particles can be arranged in space and time which indicates that time must repeat at some point if it will go on forever. This strange idea suggests that there are also infinite versions of you who are living other realities at different points in time. In those alternate realities, every possible outcome will play out. For example, if you turned away a job in this reality, you may be working that job in an alternate reality. You may even be a billionaire in some of them!
2. The Simulation Hypothesis.
What if our reality is a giant computer simulation? One big video game run by a highly-advanced alien or post-human civilization? What if we are living in a virtual reality? A very convincing super technology? One of the interesting ideas that drove scientists to formulate this bizarre theory is that mathematical laws we use to explain the universe are the same ones we use to make software and computer codes. However, this interesting and perhaps even depressing idea remains only a theory. If our minds are simulated, then they must have a definite plan for how we would think and behave. It is unlikely that we would be thinking about such possibility unless it is included in our programming. Why would our simulators want us to know the truth? Or are we destined to discover the truth as part of the game? Who knows!
3. Solipsism.
This philosophical theory suggests that yourself is all that exists, and that reality is only representing your own mind. According to Solipsism, external reality is nothing but a projection of your consciousness and therefore, does not really exist. Other people do not exist outside of yourself. There is only you in the universe, and the universe is you. This idea may sound a bit crazy, but it is in fact supported by logical examples. Consider the following question: how can you prove the existence of an external reality if it is not possible for you to touch, see or feel without a brain? Although the brain responds to environmental stimulations, it is still impossible for you to experience them without it, at least not in this observable reality.
Although ideas can become complex and difficult to comprehend, it is healthy to question and to be creative with thinking of possible answers. It is illuminating to think about our brief exciting existence on planet earth. We live a life of mystery despite the great familiarity of our daily lives. Our structured belief systems secure our sanity and make us feel safe, but if we think about our existence long and deep enough, we may discover the next great theory that can alter our entire perception of who we are and why we are here.
