13 Comments

I just love this piece. I too have such a draw to quantum physics. I love how you explain the uncertainty principle. I also recall the certainty of my father coming home at the exact same time every weekday evening.

And I am touched by the shattering in your life at the downtown theater in 1956, and how you learned to accept change and appreciate uncertainty.

Your reflections are so meaningful to me. Love, Ani

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Thank you so much, Ani. I was a little bit brave, I think, talking about physics. Sometimes it feels like just being here requires courage. But it helps a lot to be in contact with kindred spirits such as yourself. Much appreciated.

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As you know, dear Susie, I had this dream, some time ago: I am to row alone to an island. To plant seeds. Of uncertainty and unknowing.

How you weave science and the story of being pillowed by your parents in the movie theater, (and what happens next,) is an example of holding non-duality with grace..

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I regard science and art and religious traditions and even personal experience as variant expressions of the same common themes....impermanence, uncertainty, wonder. Thanks for joining me.

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Truly profound. Just what I need during these weepy days when all feels horribly certain. I need to remember: it’s NOT. Anything can happen!

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I'm turning to Rebecca Solnit...also Krista Tippett. Who do you read that lifts your spirits?

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I have read most of Solnit's books. Don't know Tippitt. My spirits are not willing to lift these days. I'd call it situational depression. Won't last forever; nothing does. Meanwhile, I hike and swim in Lake Ontario, trying to keep moving.

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I admire your activity. It's wonderful that being in the world gives you so much joy. Krista Tippett does the podcast On Being which hits many of the same notes as Solnit's books. They both advance a non-binary political stance. The world and its conditions are way more complex than either/or and the liberation from that dichotomy helps with the grief.

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Thanks. I’ll keep her in mind.

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Brilliant! The conclusion was totally unexpected but follows perfectly from the scientific principles you lay out. Bravo!

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I realized as I was writing this piece that I was avoiding how hard it all is. Uncertainty is the bread and butter of life, but often not an easy meal to get down.

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I always love your pieces but this one shines for me. I too am fascinated by this sort of science--the quantum mysteries which I can barely comprehend but speak of states we have no ideas about. But I loved your explanation of the uncertainty principle and then how you applied it to our uncertain lives (whether we like it or not). And the consequences thereof. Wonderful!

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The older we get, the more uncertainty becomes the main event. N'est-ce-pas? We either learn to work with it or not and not isn't really a good option. Maybe you and I should learn some science!

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