A Timely Consequence
Time is not a constant, objective reality. It could be subjective or even an illusion. According to archaeological evidence, the Babylonians and Egyptians began measuring time at least 5,000 years ago, introducing calendars to organize and coordinate communal activities and public events, to schedule the shipment of goods, and, most importantly, to regulate planting and harvesting cycles. Time’s purpose as a form of measurement is for the benefit of mankind. If humans cease to exist, does time matter at all? In this article, we ponder over this question and how we may prepare ourselves if time comes to an end.
Through the scientific method of carbon dating, we have discovered the possible extent of existence measured in time for most living things on earth. Knowing how long they have existed, helps us to understand the sequence of life formation, drawing a timeline to predict when mankind first appeared on this planet. Humans are curious by nature and it is only a matter of time before we ventured into space and attempt to discover its origins as well. Through Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation scientists study the faint afterglow of the Big Bang to understand the universe’s early history and age.
What is the purpose of these extensive pursuits in science, if not to quench our thirst for knowledge and perhaps to recognise ourselves — how small and fragile we are. Our finite existence in this universe at this particular moment in time is best summarised in the ‘Pale Blue Dot’ speech by astrophysicist Carl Sagan. It reflected the wisdom that man is capable of, and the humility that we were born with from day one.
It doesn’t take a genius to develop insight, but persistence in questioning and thought. It is apparent that the knowledge of all men gathered throughout history pales in comparison to the full knowledge of all there is in existence. The point made is not meant to discourage by any means, but to remind us of things beyond our comprehension. In due time, through the advancement of human thought, A.I. and technology, these dark mysteries may just unravel, but to what effect? Will more knowledge enlighten us or deepen our pride and cause the downfall of humanity?
According to an article published on Kurious, an online platform for public commentary on Science, the facts of what we know about the universe were laid out, plain and simple. Dark matter and dark energy represent 95% of the entire universe which remain unseen, while the rest of the 5% constitutes all things that human beings perceive. Most of us aren’t even aware of these things, let alone understand what dark matter and dark energy is. The more we do not know, the more we wish to find out. This obsession for facts and the need to measure everything out has become a sort of uncontrollable disease. That is why seeking purpose is so crucial in the age of Information and Technology. It connects the why to the how and brings us closer to the meaning of our life on earth.
The unseen universe is vast and unyielding to human probes. It is hidden from us, seemingly on purpose, and this drives us to contemplate and imagine its purpose. The need for humans to know and to probe into the unseen, is evident through our mapping of the early distribution of matter in the outer space. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation helped scientists to discover dark matter that plays a key role in shaping the large-scale structures of the universe. Only a small percentage us is actively searching in this area, while the vast majority — almost 55% of the human population prefer to look into other areas to find the truth.
Based on the 2010 estimate from Wikipedia, more than 55% of the world population are religious: Muslims (24.9%) and Christians (31%). This implies that more than half of the population on earth believe that there is something in the unseen as well, much like the scientists. But instead of measuring things or quantifying in numbers, they have narrated their experiences in texts and recorded testimonies passed down orally through the generations. The language of science and the language of history are both ways in which people tried to convey what they have discovered over time. As much as we like to lean towards science in this era, we may realize that theoretical science and universal law are not the same. Few scientific theories are proven as universal laws. They only appear legitimate perhaps due to the proliferation of textbook illustrations and computer generated animations and videos.
If scientists are not infallible, is it not beneficial for us to look into accounts written in both the language of science and history to inform us of the truth? What about the end times? What clues have we gathered so far from various studies that can help us to prepare for what’s to come? Astrophysicists were concerned about the end of the universe, just as people of the past questioned regarding the end of time or Doomsday. It is a question born out of curiosity as well as the need for survival. Based on current understanding of cosmology, experts predict that the universe will end in heat death. According to their observations, the universe’s expansion is expected to continue indefinitely, which supports the prediction of a slow death, involving expansion and cooling, star formation ceasing, black hole evaporation, and a cold, dark, and uniform universe.
Other people envisioned the end times to be somewhat different. Besides science, they referenced books of a more philosophical nature. These books were written in historical languages, produced over separate lengths of time; yet the message was consistent and its tone was confident. The people of these books appear to be more concerned over the end of mankind rather than the end of the universe. Recalling the question at the start of this article, we wondered if the end of time mattered if humans cease to exist. People who think like this are the ones who realise that the knowledge which truly matters is the one with direct implications to one’s family and livelihood.
Gathering all possible evidence to support logical reasoning, it is clear that the ideas of both sides are plausible. Our home earth could be destroyed in the next millennium, while the universe continues to live on for several other millenniums until its death. Everything happens as a result of timely consequence, but what matters is knowing that our time and existence is limited. Besides knowing the existence of things in the unseen, we also learn that we are so tiny compared to the grand scale of things; our existence is meaningful only to the ones we are living for, but human knowledge, ability and desires are inconsequential to rest of the universe.
What if the truth was as how the Book described, ‘… Just as We produced the first creation, <so> shall We reproduce it. That is a promise binding on Us, We truly uphold Our promises.’ It appears that whoever or whatever had created the Big Bang at the start could bring it to an end and the universe may be recreated after that. Many imagine this to be a great source of power, with boundless and immense energy, and a will to create and maintain all that exist. As our time comes to an end on earth, a new beginning may emerge elsewhere in the unseen – a place where no eyes have seen, and no ears have heard. How can we prepare for this change, except to keep our minds and hearts open to the truth, and the endless possibilities that it holds.