The Mathematical Representation of the History Maker
John Rector’s “In Love the Cosmic Dance” presents a compelling interpretation of entropy through the lens of a love story between the past and the future. Central to this narrative is the character of the History Maker, mathematically depicted as a string with dual attachments: one end bound to the event horizon of the past, and the other linked to the future, represented either as an idea or as pure potential.
Entropy and the Expanding Event Horizon
The concept of entropy, fundamental in thermodynamics, dictates that disorder or randomness in a closed system tends to increase over time. Rector applies this principle to the human condition. He illustrates entropy’s perpetual increase through the expanding event horizon of the past. As new events unfold, adding to the repository of the past, its event horizon enlarges. This expansion signifies the accumulation of information and experiences over time.
The Low Entropy of the Known Past
At the singularity of the past, where all is known and determined, Rector posits entropy at zero. This state reflects a complete order, with no uncertainty or randomness. It’s a realm where events have already unfolded, leaving no room for unpredictability.
The Undefined Nature of the Future
Contrastingly, the future is represented as a four-dimensional field, a domain of endless possibilities and undefined outcomes. Each point in this field, when measured, yields an indeterminate value, embodying the very essence of potentiality. This undefined nature aligns with the concept of the future being open and undetermined.
Superposition and the Indeterminate Future
Rector further delves into quantum mechanics by introducing the idea of superposition. Every point in the future’s 4D field exists in a state of superposition, capable of being in an infinite number of states. This aligns with the mathematical interpretation of the future as indeterminate or undefined.
Human Experience and the Growth of Entropy
The novel’s portrayal of the History Maker as a string connecting the expanding past to the indeterminate future offers a profound metaphor for human existence. As we accumulate experiences and memories, the event horizon of our past grows, inevitably driving us towards higher entropy. This relentless increase in entropy is a fundamental aspect of our journey through time, reflecting the constant addition of information and the unstoppable march towards greater disorder.
Conclusion
John Rector’s “In Love the Cosmic Dance” provides a unique and insightful mathematical and philosophical perspective on entropy. It eloquently ties the concept to the human experience, illustrating how the inevitable expansion of our past propels us towards a future of increasing uncertainty and complexity. Through this narrative, Rector not only explores the depths of human consciousness but also offers a new lens to view the inexorable laws of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics.