Within classical physics, the domino effect of causality is the governing principle. Every scenario has a preceding scenario that effectuates the current scenario. And so we can go back in time to find an endless chain of cause-effect. I argue that since the universe was set into motion at the beginning of time, our lives were always determined to begin and end as they do. The psychological impact is this: we are in much less control than we believe. Our lives are meant for us to play with gusto in the human drama, revel in all the dimensions of being, and to live free from the anxiety of trying to control outcomes.
I don’t propose a fatalistic interpretation to determinism. Some may lament why they should give any effort to anything if the outcome is already set. Well, nobody knows that set outcome except for the universe. There’s nothing stopping us from trying to live our best lives.
If we simply observe life and the scope of our influence in this universe, we can see that we don’t have much control over the infinite number of variables and therefore outcomes. Every situation and its conclusion can be compared to a n-body problem in physics. Anytime there are more than two variables to account for in a situation (like most situations in life) we are unable to accurately predict their movement and eventual position. Our minds and our computers don’t have the computing power to simulate every variable. And even if we could, our senses and scientific equipment don’t have the capabilites to detect every variable.
Again the psychological conclusion is thus: try your best, but understand that there’s no use in pulling our hair out over outcomes. They were never in our control in the first place. Knowing this comes to me as a relief. It frees us to approach life the way we want and to enjoy the ride. We may not control where the universe may take us and where we end up. But we do control whether we go on our way kicking and and screaming, resisting and worrying. Or we can choose to be truly present and detach ourselves from ideas of control. We can be here now and enjoy the experiences we have the chances to live.
There has been a pseudoscience movement tying quantum physics with manifesting. I personally believe that having confidence and intention are great starting points for working towards a goal, but outcomes are far from guaranteed. It isn’t presumptuous to assume a possibility of success. Nobody knows until they try. It may also increase performance to have confidence in ourselves. But saying something will happen for certain is inflated bravado that doesn’t hold water when faced with the true nature of the universe. I do caution that I don’t know the detailed plans of the universe, so if a concept sounds intriguing, why not try it out? If it works for you, well that’s great. If it creates more stress and attachment, you can choose to continue or search for more peaceful pastures.
If we are in control of anything it is this.. We control our perspective and attitudes. We’re not responsible for outcomes. Knowing that it is basically impossible for us to control outcomes should lift the burden of overthinking from our shoulders so that we are free to live life on our own terms. Isn’t it ironic? Knowing that we are not in control frees us to live how we would like to live. Perhaps we will be a bit more brave. We can give ourselves the chance to be in the moment fully without ruminating. Life becomes much more playful and intruiguing. We can live as I believe we are meant to: appreciating the changing landscape, taking things as they come, counting our blessings.
It’s said that many terminal cancer patients become relieved after receiving their prognosis. They finally stop fretting about life and live fully in the moment. They stop worrying about the little things and stressing over always making the right decision. The outcome was out of their control anyways. Knowing their fate released them from the illusion of control. After the prognosis, they could live life on their own terms without constant anxiety. For the spiritually inclined, one could say they discover their true selves or their ‘god’ nature.
My takeaways from n-body problem and determinism are this. Stay in the present. Take it moment by moment instead of becoming stuck on some desired outcome. Play for the sake of playing. Live how you want to live. Don’t overthink the outcome. Nothing was ever guaranteed anyway.
The wisdom mentioned in the popular serenity prayer becomes more understandable to me now. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.“ I now know that I cannot change outcomes, the only things that I can change is how I stay present and show up in life.