Let’s Get Metaphysical

I met a man at a networking event yesterday. He started to tell the group that he’s writing a book. As a writer, I found this curious. He went on to say that the book will be about physics… and metaphysics. I thought that was really interesting. Then he took it a step further and said that, as an ordained minister, he thought it would be fun to add a little religion to the book as well.

I want to read this book.

When I have a chance to watch TV, I like to watch documentaries. We cut the cable cord a few months ago, so we stream television content on a ROKU device or our smart TV. I love the fact that there are so many shows about physics, metaphysics, and quantum physics. To me, it’s just fascinating to explore the origins of the universe, the laws of Newtonian physics, metaphysical explorations of the soul, and the notion that anything is possible.

So, we define physics as a science involving matter, motion, space, time, energy, and force. Through physics, we look for explanations of how the universe works.

Metaphysics, on the other hand, is a philosophical study. In metaphysics, we explore abstract topics of being, reality, and existence. Why are we here? What does it all mean? Where is the soul located in the body? We have some overlap with physics proper, as we look at space and time. We look at cause and effect. But in metaphysics, we treat them as concepts and consider possibilities rather than laws.

Now, I’m going to tell you that I find quantum physics fascinating. But, I’m not going to try to explain it, even on such a superficial level as my definitions of physics and metaphysics above. I love that there’s a book called “Quantum Physics for Dummies”. Hmmmm…

Where does religion fit in? I don’t know… Does it fit in? I think it’s so interesting that Albert Einstein is quoted as saying:

“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

I love that quote from Einstein. It tells me we shouldn’t rule anything out. Some people think that religious ideas are foolish and outlandish. But… some of the ideas and theories put forth in metaphysics and quantum physics seem a little far-fetched and counterintuitive.

It is, after all, hard to wrap your head around the theory of the parallel universe. Or, should I say “universes”, since there are differing theories to describe and explain this possibility? Elon Musk, after all, thinks we might be living in a computer simulation. I don’t know… he’s a pretty smart guy.

If you are highly educated in any of these disciplines, I hope you’ll forgive my clumsy mutterings. I’m no expert, just an interested observer. Are you interested in thinking about these things, too? I would like to know that I’m not alone in my own little parallel universe…

• Cat

Originally published at https://thehokeypokey.substack.com.