Gravity: Reloaded


In the film ‘The Matrix: Reloaded’ The protagonist Neo meets the matrix creator the architect, the matrix is a simulation designed to enslave the human race. Within this scene the room is surrounded by many TV screens in which the architect is quietly observing and calculating. Each screen shows a different perturbation of the matrix, with each perturbation depending ultimately on the freedom of choice. Indeed, it is shockingly revealed to Neo that the matrix is not only an enslaving simulation, but it is also infinite and iterative:

Portion of the infamous scene from 'The Matrix: Reloaded'.

In my opening post entitled ‘Gravity’ I discussed two possible methods of unifying quantum mechanics with general relativity, thus solving for a theory of everything, these are called string theory and loop quantum gravity. Whilst they are still highly theoretical, they are also extremely imaginative. As a result, they have significant cosmological consequences:

Cosmological predictions made by these two theories, a) string theory predicts a holographic universe and b) loop quantum gravity predicts an iterative universe.

String theory ultimately predicts the existence of a holographic projection on the surface of a black hole. A hologram is a two-dimensional construct with encoded three-dimensional information. This is called the holographic principle and requires extra spatial dimensions as described in string theory. In this case an extra third dimension is compactified and embedded onto a two-dimensional surface, and thus a hologram is produced.

Loop quantum gravity predicts an infinitely iterative universe. Here gravity eventually contracts everything to a tiny singular point. Upon which rapid expansion into a new universe occurs, this happens repeatedly. This is called loop quantum cosmology and requires that on a tiny quantum scale gravity actually becomes repulsive. In line with Einstein’s theory of general relativity all properties of matter are reflected as the mirror matter equivalent, and thus a mirror universe is born.

Both of these theories very elegantly solve the black hole information paradox. However, they also raise further questions. Are we a hologram? Do we exist as three-dimensional information embedded onto a two-dimensional surface? Are we a mirror reflection? Have we existed before in a previous universe cycle?

What has this all got to do with the Matrix? Well, much like Neo in the Matrix perhaps we are being observed as a holographic projection, with a silent audience taking notes and watching intently much like the architect? Or perhaps we are caught in a never-ending simulation, with universes data stored inside a black hole, with again someone observing and analysing the results?

At the end of Neos conversation with the architect he is given a simple choice and the consequences associated with each choice. Whilst radically, we could exist in some form of a simulation, we can take comfort from the fact that we possess consciousness and choice. Whilst universally our decisions may not have a profound impact, we must use our choice to at least make the world a better place for all to live.

Remember: You are the ‘one’.


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