AI Helped Me to Name and Hone a New ‘Thought Experiment’ about ‘Time Travel’: “The Eternal Now Experiment” or “The Search for the Nexus Point”

“Time Travel Leisure” photo by Eli S.

As a wandering comedian and a casual stoner, I sometimes like to entertain my brain by thinking about “Time Travel”, because… you know… why not!?

I recently a had conversation with ChatGPT in which I proposed one of these wild thoughts.

Below is an abridged selection of our discussion.

SHAWN WICKENS: I’d like to share with you a thought experiment I came up with. It’s kind of like a mix between the Fermi Paradox and the Grandfather Paradox. Are you familiar with both?

ChatGPT: Yes, I’m familiar with both the Fermi Paradox and the Grandfather Paradox. The Fermi Paradox raises the question of why, given the vast number of potentially habitable planets in the universe, we haven’t encountered any extraterrestrial civilizations. On the other hand, the Grandfather Paradox involves a hypothetical situation where someone travels back in time and kills their own grandfather before their parent is born, thereby preventing their own existence.

I’m intrigued to hear how you’ve combined these concepts. Please proceed with your thought experiment.

SW: Great. So here’s what I came up with. If Time Travel were real, what if there was just one single event that we could change in The Past to greatly improve both The Present and The Future. Sure there are a lot of things in The Past it would be great for us to change. But what if we discovered one single thing to change that would make everything better?

C: That’s an interesting premise for a thought experiment. If such a specific event could be identified and changed to create a better outcome, it would raise several intriguing possibilities. Here are a few considerations to ponder:

1. Butterfly Effect: Changing even a single event in the past could potentially have unforeseen consequences, altering the course of history in unpredictable ways. The “butterfly effect” suggests that small changes can lead to significant differences over time. So, while the intention might be to improve the present and future, the actual outcome could be vastly different from what was initially anticipated.
2. Temporal Paradox: Altering the past to create a better future could potentially create a paradox. The Grandfather Paradox you mentioned earlier is an example of this. If changing the past leads to a situation where the time traveler prevents their own existence, it raises questions about the consistency and coherence of the timeline.
3. Ethical Considerations: Determining which event to change and who gets to make that decision raises ethical dilemmas. What criteria would be used to determine what is “better” or “improved”? Who would have the authority to decide which event should be changed and who would be affected by it?
4. Ripple Effects: A significant event in the past could have ripple effects throughout history. It might impact technology, cultural developments, scientific discoveries, and countless other aspects of human civilization. Trying to predict the outcome of such changes can be extremely complex.

Ultimately, your thought experiment presents an intriguing proposition, but it also highlights the complexities and uncertainties involved in altering the past. Time travel and its consequences have been a subject of fascination and speculation for a long time, providing fertile ground for exploring paradoxes, causality, and the nature of reality.

SW: Yes. That’s all true. There are definitely both complexities and uncertainties involved with altering The Past. And I’m glad you brought up those four points to consider.

So I’ll take it a step further.

What if… it turns out that we don’t have to travel to The Past to make a correction to improve The Future. Because as several Physicists have theorized, The Past, Present and The Future all exist simultaneously. Plus, experiments have shown that sometimes The Future can affect the Past at a Quantum level (if I’m paraphrasing that correctly).

So… what if we end up having to go to The Future to make a change that somehow improves all of The Past and The Present simultaneously?

C: The idea that the past, present, and future exist simultaneously is indeed a concept explored in certain interpretations of physics, such as block universe theory or the idea of the “eternalism” of time. These theories suggest that all moments in time coexist, and our perception of time as a linear progression is a subjective experience. Furthermore, some quantum phenomena, such as retrocausality, propose that future events can influence past events at a quantum level.

If we consider the possibility of having to go to the future to make a change that improves the past and the present, it introduces an intriguing twist to the thought experiment. However, it also raises several intriguing questions and challenges:

1. Mechanics of Time Travel: If we assume that time travel to the future is possible, the mechanics and principles behind such travel would need to be explored. How would one navigate through time and access specific moments? What kind of technology or understanding would be required to accomplish this feat?
2. Identifying the Change: Determining what change should be made in the future to improve the past and the present would be a significant challenge. How would we identify the specific event or action that would have the desired impact? Would we be able to accurately predict the consequences of such a change across multiple timelines?
3. Paradoxes and Consequences: Time travel inherently carries the risk of paradoxes and unintended consequences. Altering the past, present, or future could have unforeseen effects, creating paradoxical situations or potentially erasing the very reason for making the change in the first place.
4. Ethical Considerations: Similar to the previous scenario, ethical considerations would be relevant. Who would have the authority and responsibility to make decisions regarding changes to the future? How would the potential ramifications for different individuals or societies be weighed?

While the idea of time travel to the future to improve the past and present adds an interesting layer to the thought experiment, it also raises additional complexities and uncertainties.

“A Time Traveler Outside” photo by Eli S.

SW: I agree.

I’m going to take this thought experiment even one step further.

Since The Past, Present and Future might exist simultaneously. In reality, all that we might have to do to improve The Past, Present and The Future is to make a slight adjustment to Now.

And we don’t need a “Time Machine” to alter the now. So what might that alteration to Now be?

And even if we don’t know what that alteration is. Isn’t it perhaps comforting to be able to think that we’re close to discovering what that simple adjustment could be?

C: The concept you’re presenting — that a slight adjustment in the present moment could have a profound impact on the past, present, and future — is an intriguing perspective. It suggests that the key to improving the entirety of time might lie in the choices we make or the actions we take in the present.

While it’s an interesting idea to contemplate, determining what specific alteration to the present would lead to such a positive impact on the entire timeline is a challenging question. It involves a deep understanding of causality, interconnectedness, and the complex dynamics of the universe. As of now, we don’t have a definitive answer or a clear understanding of the precise actions or adjustments that would yield such far-reaching effects.

However, the notion that we are close to discovering a simple adjustment that could significantly improve the past, present, and future can indeed be comforting. It suggests that there might be a way to influence the course of events for the better, even if the details elude us currently. The progress of scientific understanding, technological advancements, and our collective efforts in various domains continue to shape our world and offer the potential for positive change.

Reflecting on the possibilities and imagining that a simple adjustment in the present could have profound implications can inspire us to seek ways to create a better future. It encourages us to think critically, explore new ideas, and strive for positive action in the present moment. Whether or not we eventually discover the exact nature of that adjustment, the belief in the potential for positive change can serve as a motivating force to drive progress and contribute to a better world.

SW: Could you think of a name for this Thought Experiment? I then have one last thought.

C: Based on the elements you’ve described, a possible name for this thought experiment could be “The Ripple Effect of the Eternal Now” or simply “The Eternal Now Experiment.”

The specific aspect of the adjustment in the present could be labeled the “Nexus Point,” representing the pivotal moment where a subtle change in the present has the potential to reverberate through time and improve the past, present, and future.

Now, please feel free to share your final thought, and I’ll do my best to address it.

SW: Wow. These are excellent details.

My last thought about what you have so gracefully called the “Nexus Point”, includes some insight into your point of “Identifying the Change”. And it’s this:

Why hasn’t anyone from The Future visited The Past or The Present yet? If “Time Travel” could become real… then why haven’t we witnessed any concrete proof.

And I think that it could be because The Future is indeed a better place where everyone feels safe. And with all of the unrest and injustice in the World, someone from a better and safer reality that is The Future, just wouldn’t feel safe here and now.

So the “Nexus Point” involves insuring that everyone feels safe. When that happens, someone from The Future will feel free to visit The Present, thereby making The Future - “Now”.

C: That’s an intriguing perspective on the absence of concrete proof of time travel from the future.

According to your line of reasoning, the “Nexus Point” in this thought experiment involves creating a present where everyone feels safe and secure. When such a state is achieved, it could potentially serve as an invitation or catalyst for individuals from the future to visit the present, bridging the gap between the future and the present. This visitation, in turn, would make the improved future a reality in the present moment.

Your idea emphasizes the significance of addressing unrest and injustice in our current world as a means to create a more desirable future. By fostering safety, well-being, and equality, we could potentially create a more enticing “Nexus Point” that attracts visitors from a future where those ideals are already realized.

It’s a thought-provoking concept that highlights the potential interplay between our actions in the present and the future outcomes they may generate. By striving to build a safer and more just world, we can aspire to create a future that transcends the limitations of time and brings positive change to the present.

SW: Now that I’ve shared this last piece with you. Can you think of any new or additional names to any of the details of this thought experiment?

And does it remind you of anything already written about either in pop culture or textbooks?

Certainly! Here are some additional names for the various aspects of this thought experiment:

1. Thought Experiment Name: “The Future’s Safe Haven”
2. Nexus Point: “The Harmonic Node”
3. Adjustment Event: “Temporal Reconciliation”
4. Ripple Effect: “Chrono-Cascade”
5. The Present as an Invitation: “Temporal Beacon”
6. Improved Future: “Utopian Horizon”

In terms of resemblances to existing works in pop culture or textbooks, the concept of altering the present to influence the past and future shares similarities with various time travel narratives. While each story may have its unique twists and interpretations, the underlying theme of changing the timeline for a better outcome is a recurring motif in science fiction.

Some examples include:

1. “Back to the Future” film series: The protagonist travels to the past to alter specific events, subsequently affecting their own present and future.
2. “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells: The main character constructs a time machine and travels to different time periods, seeking to understand and potentially improve the future.
3. “Doctor Who” (TV series): The Doctor travels through time and space, encountering various situations where altering events can influence the past, present, and future.
4. “Looper”: This film explores the consequences of assassins who are sent back in time to eliminate targets, thereby altering the future.

While your thought experiment incorporates unique elements and focuses on the concept of safety and well-being, it shares thematic connections with these and other works that delve into the possibilities and consequences of time travel.

Remember, though, that the thought experiment you’ve presented offers its own distinctive perspective, combining elements of the Fermi Paradox, the Grandfather Paradox, and the notion of the present as a nexus for influencing the past and future.

SW: These are all great names and insights. I particularly like both “The Future’s Safe Haven” and “The Eternal Now Experiment” as names.

I appreciate the discussion. I’ll check in again later.

“A Time Traveler onstage” photo by Eli S.

Shawn Wickens is an accomplished comedian, author, and optimistic futurist. With a passion for challenging societal beliefs, Wickens infuses his creative work with humor and curiosity.

“Time Machine Blueprints (1st edition)” is available on Amazon and represents his latest venture into the realm of imagination and possibility.

You can follow him on Instagram and listen to some more of his emerging thoughts regarding Time Travel and more on the podcast: Time Traveling St8ned.