The Soul of the Matter by Bruce Buff Read Free Book Online

of the nucleus of an atom, while the electromagnetic force retains its strength over very long distances. Once a force sufficient to overcome the electromagnetic repulsion has pushed two positively charged protons close enough together, they bind and release large amounts of energy. This shows the importance of how the ratio of the fundamental forces of physics determines all the behavior in the universe, even yours and mine. Now, what if the ratio of forces was just the least bit different, even less than a billionth of a billionth?”
    â€œThere would no universe at all,” replied the student who had provided the last answer.
    â€œThat’s right. Pretty remarkable, and fortunate, that the forces just happen to be what they need to be for us to exist.”
    A quiet, serious-looking boy asked, “Why are they that way? Could they someday change?”
    Viktor knew this discussion could turn in the wrong direction rather quickly. He’d had many discussions with people who claimed that a creator “tuned and maintains” the forces so that life could form and exist specifically on earth, and he was determined to avoid the controversial topic. In reply, he said, “Quantum physics supports the existence of an infinite number of multiverses where, in aggregate, anything that can happen, does happen, somewhere. Accordingly, there is a universe capable of supporting our existence and we’re in it.”
    The boy crossed his arms. “So you’re saying that every time anyone, anywhere, makes a decision or does anything, a whole new universe, with all the matter and energy and history of this one, instantaneously springs into existence out of nothingness into dimensions that we can’t perceive, a multitude of big bangs bigger than the first big bang, and that the new universes don’t interact with any other universe?”
    Flustered, Viktor’s face tightened. “I just stated one of the more generally recognized theories. In time, it may be disproved or replaced by another theory that better suits the data. But for now, many believe this best explains our universe.”
    Mr. Reilly jumped in. “Ted is something of a science prodigy and has read up on quantum physics. A little bit of knowledge can be dangerous.”
    â€œThat’s all right. Questioning is healthy,” Viktor said through tight lips.
    With a look that hinted at sarcasm, the boy said, “It would be cool if multiverses were true. Every time I’d do or not do anything, my thoughts would cause the creation of a whole new universe in which another me, with the exact same history and mind as me, would have decided to do a different thing. I’d be more powerful than God, since He only created the universe once and I get to do it over and over again.”
    Viktor didn’t answer, so the boy continued. “And this would be happening with everyone, at all times. Not only that, but it took God six days and took so much out of Him that He had to rest a whole day and I do it instantly and feel like nothing happened.”
    Another boy, with a muscular build and Patriots football jersey, teased, “Come on Ted. You can’t even get Alyssa to go to the prom with you, and you think your thoughts create an infinite number of invisible universes?”
    Ted replied, “The good news is that in a very large number of them, she actually said yes. Too bad she didn’t in this one.”
    An embarrassed girl who Viktor assumed was Alyssa said, “You asked better in the other universes.” Several girls stifled laughs.
    As Ted’s mouth flew open to reply, Mr. Reilly said in a strong voice, “Cut it out, or I’ll make sure no one goes to any prom, in any universe.”
    After everyone had quieted down, Viktor said, “All kidding aside, there is a lot we still need to find out. That’s the fun thing about physics. There is always something new to learn. Now,