What if every decision we don't make creates a new universe? : What If

What if every decision we don't make creates a new universe?

It's a concept straight out of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. Each time we come to a crossroads and make a choice, an alternate universe comes into existence where the opposite decision was made. Innumerable universes containing every conceivable outcome. Even as you're reading this, universes are birthed where you ignore this post. Does free will exist if every choice is simultaneously taken and not taken?

Submitted 11 months, 2 weeks ago by AlternateRealities

This is the real deal folks. Imagine all the alternate you's out there... Somewhere I'm a billionaire, and somewhere else I probably didn't even wake up today. Free will's a trip, man.

11 months, 2 weeks ago by Multiverse_Marauder

Isn't this just mental gymnastics? I mean, it's a cool concept for a book or movie, but in real life? Sounds like a bit much. Besides, how would you even test this idea scientifically?

11 months, 2 weeks ago by NotSureIfSerious

so we're just one big cosmic choose-your-own-adventure book but in this version, you get to flip to all the pages at once 🤔

11 months, 2 weeks ago by TiredPhilosopher

This sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. If it's true, there's a universe where I'm actually a successful astronaut instead of just dreaming about it here. Kinda depressing to think about, tbh.

11 months, 2 weeks ago by SciFiSammy

There's a lot to unpack here. Yes, the many-worlds interpretation is fascinating, but it's still theoretical. The existence of parallel universes isn't something we can currently prove or disprove. It doesn't necessarily negate the concept of free will, though. Even if every choice leads to a different universe, you're still making a choice in this one, and that's what counts for you as an individual. What happens in another universe is irrelevant to your experience.

11 months, 2 weeks ago by Existential_Erik

lol if I have a universe for each time I decided not to play another game and go to sleep that's like an infinite number of universes where I'm not sleep deprived 😂

11 months, 2 weeks ago by GaryTheGamer

This really begs the question of determinism vs free will. If every possibility occurs, it seems like we're not choosing at all. Our 'choices' are just an illusion because they happen anyway in some alternate reality. That kind of universe sounds predestined, scripted out already...

11 months, 2 weeks ago by NoFateButWhatWeMake

Whoa, you just blew my mind with that take! But think about it, if every choice we don't make spawns a new universe, just imagine the cosmic scale of that! Our daily decisions like, what to eat, or which sock to put on first could lead to infinite universes. It's hard to grasp but super cool to think about!