Quantum Mysticism
The human need for transcendence
I recently watched a YouTube video debunking quantum mysticism, this idea that quantum physics somehow supports supernatural theories. We have lots of examples like Deepak Chopra’s books, or The Secret, even quantum coaches that promise DNA reprogramming or mind reprogramming using JavaScript. But why is this so appealing?
There is a classic quote by Arthur C. Clarke “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”, and that could extend to knowledge too, after all this is not the first time that scientific vernacular becomes a part of popular discourse, we use Newton’s third law of action and reaction to justify cursing someone if they cursed us, or even punch them if we were punched. Or say that opposites attract on relationships, when that is an electromagnetic concept applied to charges and magnets. That sometimes even inspires science, like the field of cognitive psychology that has some inspirations from computer science.
Physics success in explaining the material world, made it a golden standard of knowledge and contributed to a highly materialistic view of the world, there were scholars who believed that future improvements would be only of precision, and we had reached the limits of understanding. Thanks to physics the world was not sacred anymore, nature could be reproduced in laboratories so we could dissect it, which could be said to have contributed to the classic: God is dead, and we killed him.
To some people this materialism took away the purpose of life. Some like Nietzsche, argue that purpose is an individual responsibility now, others like Camus even argue that the whole idea of purpose is an illusion, that we must accept the absurdity of existence instead of creating something just to soothe our existential dread. That has some ramifications even for our times, religion is highly criticized, doomers exist, an entire generation defined by not believing in purpose or meaning, where our existence is hopeless.
Camus was correct in that the need for meaning is innate, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs states the same thing. This is a fundamental part of the human mind, and like the video states it can be taken advantage of by people that want to make money. Physics is the choice because it is a highly successful science, inspires confidence, and is easily metaphorized.
