h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

There is a theory arising out of quantum physics called (I believe) the anthropic principle. It goes like this:

A system can properly exist only if it is observed.
Therefore, the Universe can only exist if it is, at some point in its space-time continuum, observed.
The only thing we know of that can observe is organic life.
Therefore, a Universe can only exist if its conditions are such that organic, observing life arises within it.
Thus we -- as living, observing, beings -- created the Universe just as much as the Universe created us. We and the Universe are an inseparable pair, each necessary for the existence of the other.

This would explain quite a bit about why things are the way they are, as opposed to some other way. The laws of physics and the types of matter and energy in the Universe must be conducive to organic lfie. But that still leaves the Ultimate Question: Why anything instead of nothing?

Here's my theory on this: Perhaps our terms "anything" and "nothing" are too absolute for describing the Universe. They work well for the human experience ("I have nothing to eat," "He will eat anything") but who's to say the Universe works in that way on the higher, more abstract levels we're probing?

If it's true that we and our Universe bring each other into existence, maybe we and our Universe only exist in terms of each other. In a sense, we corroborate each others' existences; but maybe we do not really exist in absolute terms. We and our Universe could be merely theoretical, existing only in an of each other, without affecting any ultimate "anything" or "nothing."

Does anyone understand that? I'm not sure I entirely get it myself, but it's an idea that has occurred to me and I'd like to know what other people think about it.

- Fallingwhale.

> If it's true that we and our Universe bring each other into existence, maybe we and our Universe only exist in terms of each other. In a sense, we corroborate each others' existences; but maybe we do not really exist in absolute terms. We and our Universe could be merely theoretical, existing only in an of each other, without affecting any ultimate "anything" or "nothing." <

Thats some good thinking, i like the idea alot, and i think theres definatly meaning to what you say. Its a little hard to get my head around all its implications but if i come up with anything to add, ill be sure to add it.