Let's Kill You a Billion Times to Make You Immortal

The concept of quantum immortality explores the fascinating idea that one might be impossible to eliminate from existence, stemming from specific interpretations of quantum physics. This perspective arises from understanding the fundamental differences between the predictable behavior of macroscopic objects and the inherent randomness observed at the quantum level. Unlike a marble that always lands in the same spot when kicked identically, an electron demonstrates unpredictable behavior, appearing in different locations even when subjected to identical forces. This fundamental randomness at the most basic level of reality is governed by quantum mechanics, which describes particles not as solid entities but as diffuse probability waves. These waves represent an immaterial essence with values ranging between 0% and 100%, indicating the likelihood of a particle being found in a certain place. For instance, if an electron gun is fired 100 times, the electron might appear in the living room 80 times and in the kitchen 20 times, meaning its probability wave is 80% in the living room and 20% in the kitchen. This probabilistic framework, while counter-intuitive, has proven incredibly successful in explaining phenomena from microchip functionality to stellar fusion, yet it provides no clear visual representation of the particles themselves.

For a century, scientists have debated the true meaning behind quantum mechanics, leading to various interpretations. Two prominent schools of thought are often referred to as "linguists" and "literary critics." The linguists adhere to the philosophy of "shut up and calculate," asserting that quantum mechanics is not a narrative about reality itself, but rather a grammatical framework for the universe's theoretical language. Their focus is solely on using this language to accurately predict experimental outcomes, dismissing any attempts to visualize or create mental pictures of electrons. They argue that questioning what the story says about the electron is pointless if there is no intrinsic story beyond mathematical prediction.

In stark contrast, the literary critics, often called "many-worldians," believe that quantum mechanics offers a profound story about reality that demands interpretation. This interpretation posits that the universe exists as an infinitely complex quantum state, where all physically possible outcomes coexist simultaneously. When an electron's probability wave splits, for example, 80% for the living room and 20% for the kitchen, it implies that the electron itself splits, leading to multiple versions. Furthermore, as an observer, you also split, resulting in multiple versions of yourself, each experiencing a different outcome. These parallel versions of reality are equally real and true, yet they cannot interact or communicate with each other, making them invisible to one another. Thus, your current experience is merely one version of yourself witnessing a single outcome.

“Stop it! If these worlds can’t interact with each other, we can't check whether they exist! This is not science. So please shut up and calculate…”, shouted by the linguists, highlights the core skepticism towards untestable interpretations.

Remarkably, there is a theoretical way to test the many-worlds interpretation, although it requires a rather extreme experiment involving multiple near-death experiences. Imagine setting up two electron detectors, one in your living room and one in your kitchen, both connected to a nuclear bomb in your living room. If the living room detector is activated, the nuke explodes; if the kitchen detector is activated, you are safe. Your brave assistant then shoots an electron gun while you sit on the nuke. There is a 20% chance the electron lands in the kitchen, ensuring your survival, and an 80% chance it lands in the living room, leading to your immediate demise.

The distinction between a single universe and the many-worlds interpretation becomes clear when repeating this perilous experiment.

“It doesn’t matter how many times you try. From your perspective, you will survive every time." This statement encapsulates the core idea of quantum immortality from a subjective viewpoint. In a single universe, your odds of surviving 100 times in a row would be astronomically low, approximately 1 in ten duovigintillion (a 1 followed by 70 zeroes). However, if the many-worlds interpretation holds true, every time the gun is fired, new versions of you split off. While four versions might instantly perish, one version of you will always survive, leading to the experience of continuous survival from your perspective. This consistent survival, despite overwhelming odds, would serve as a profound whisper from the universe, confirming the reality of many worlds and, in a strange sense, your own quantum immortality.

If every possible quantum process results in a distinct branch of reality, it implies that not only are there nearly infinite versions of you, but there is always a version that experiences incredibly fortunate outcomes. This means that even in the face of extreme danger, a version of you could always survive due to a quantum fluke. This could manifest as a tumor being killed by a cosmic ray before it spreads, a bolt of lightning missing you by a meter due to a quantum fluctuation, or even the atoms of a falling washing machine quantum-tunneling through your body instead of hitting you. No matter how high the likelihood of death in a single reality, there may always be a branch where you survive.

However, this does not grant license for reckless behavior. While a version of you might escape harm, countless other versions will not. All these versions are as real as the one currently experiencing this moment. Therefore, if you value your current existence, it follows that you should also value the lives of all your other potential versions and their loved ones. If a washing machine is falling, the wise course of action is to move out of the way, aiming to save as many versions of yourself as possible. The more universes that exist with you in them, the richer the universe becomes. Moreover, the many-worlds interpretation, despite its beauty and elegance, remains unproven. No one has yet risked their life to confirm it. If the "shut up and calculate" perspective is correct, then there is only one world and one version of you, meaning a falling washing machine would indeed be fatal. The certainty of which interpretation is true remains elusive, yet the concept of quantum immortality offers a compelling thought experiment: knowing that somewhere, no matter your current misfortune, a version of you is always lucky.

While quantum mechanics helps us explore different realities, understanding our current reality is equally vital. Ground News, a sponsor of this video, serves as a crucial tool for navigating the complex media landscape where every news outlet presents its unique perspective. It functions as a website and app designed to make news consumption more data-driven and accessible. Each day, Ground News collects articles globally and visually breaks down each story, allowing users to quickly discern reporting bias, reliability, and ownership, all validated by three independent media monitoring organizations.

This comprehensive approach empowers users to see how headlines alone can shape perception, allowing them to decide whether a finding is a groundbreaking future development or merely a passing trend. To try Ground News and support the channel, users can visit ground.news/KIN, which offers a 40% discount on an unlimited access subscription. Additionally, for those returning to school or seeking inspiration, the Kurzgesagt Shop provides a range of items designed to transform any workspace into a hub of inspiration. From study posters like the Periodic Table or World Map to epic art that ignites curiosity, the shop offers cosmic desk essentials to remind you of the universe's immense beauty. Students can enjoy a 10% discount on the Back to School Collection with the code STUDENTBIRB10 until August 15.