# 067 Quantum Theory Of Ideas

Quantum Theory Of Ideas

Where two seemingly separate opinions can behave as an inseparable whole

TOI dated 9 Mar 20 by Ashwin Sanghi

It is quite normal to believe that ‘cold’ is the opposite state of ‘hot’. But the state of coldness is merely the absence of heat. Similarly, darkness is the absence of light. Death is the absence of life. And foolishness is the absence of wisdom.

Many ideas can only be described by what they are not rather than by what they are. Dig a little deeper into Hindu philosophy and we find that rishis were in the same dilemna as us. They wanted to define what they intuitively knew as Brahman, the unchanging, permanent, highest reality. But how were they to explain something as vast and all-encompassing as that? The Upanishads thus described Brahman as neti, neti, neti. Neither this, not this, nor this.

These seers also spoke of two fundamental characteristics of the world: shunyata (or nothingness) and maya (or illusion). Amazingly, researchers in quantum physics are now finding that our world is characterised by empty space. At the atomic and subatomic levels there is no rigidity. What we call ‘matter’ consists of fuzzy waves that can manifest as particles and switch back just as quickly. Energy and matter are interchangeable. The solidity of our world is illusory. The world is indeed characterised by shunyata and maya.

The classical physics establishment found these blurry notions of quantum theory a little difficult to digest. Newtonian physics thought of the world as composed of distinct objects, much like tennis balls or stone blocks. In this model, the universe is a giant machine of interlocking parts in which every action produces an equal and opposite reaction. Unfortunately the Newtonian world breaks down at the subatomic level.

In the quantum world, everything seems to be an ocean of interconnected possibilities. Every particle is just a wave function and could be anywhere at anytime; it could even be at several places simultaneously. This hazy view of the world fits almost perfectly with what our sages said about Brahman: ‘It moves; it moves not; it is far; it is near; it is within this; it is outside this.’ In fact, many early quantum researchers such as Schrodinger, Heisenberg and Bohr had been exposed to Vedic philosophy.

For a moment though, let us turn from the quantum world to the universe of opinions and ideas. Does every idea need to have definition? Much like the wave-particle quantum world, isn’t it possible that ideas could be fuzzy, unpredictable and dynamic? Does every idea need to be absolutely right or absolutely wrong? Does it need to be tightly classified as right- or left-wing? Secular or communal? Capitalist or socialist? Liberal or conservative?

For example, Galileo was condemned by the Roman Catholic Inquisition in 1633 for his view that the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun. Today we take his theories as fact. The notion of monarchy (the hereditary right to rule sanctioned by divine power) remained the norm until the 20th century. In the 21st century most of the world discarded that idea. But even today, in countries like Saudi Arabia a hereditary monarch is the accepted norm. In this instance the same idea is treated differently across geography. As the two examples show, space and time seem to have a substantial effect on ideas.

It was Einstein who fused the three dimensions of space and one dimension of time into a single four-dimensional construct called spacetime. His relativity theory was the second great disruptor to the world of physics. In essence, an event that occurs at a given time for one observer could occur at a different time for another observer. When we look at the sun, we are actually looking at the sun as it had existed eight minutes ago because that’s the amount of time it takes light to travel from the sun to Earth. But couldn’t the relativity principle apply to ideas too?

Isn’t it possible that the entire framework by which we judge ideas, thoughts and opinions needs a revamp? Just like classical physicists were willing to accept that classical laws could not be applied at subatomic level, maybe today’s thinkers need to stop judging ideas by outdated constructs. If Einstein saw time as relative, couldn’t we look at ideas in a non-absolutist way. Isn’t it possible that two individuals may perceive the same idea differently? Isn’t it possible that the same individual may perceive a given idea differently over time? While we may hold our opinions dear to us, can’t we still view other opinions as equally legitimate?

And if a wave can behave as a particle and manifest spooky action over distance, why can’t one hold views that are seemingly opposed? One may want free markets yet state intervention; individual liberties yet social order; modern technology yet respect for tradition; democracy yet a strong state; or soft power yet strong armed forces. Why can’t one be rational yet revere one’s myths? Why can’t one believe in secularism while continuing to appreciate the Hindu ethos that allowed secularism to flourish? Why can’t one be Catholic yet gay? Why can’t one believe in Allah yet disregard the hijab? Why can’t one be Hindu without a caste? Why can’t one expect economic progress alongside environmental consciousness?

In recent times, physicists have discovered a phenomenon called quantum entanglement. In an entangled system, two seemingly separate particles can behave as an inseparable whole. Theoretically, if one separates the two entangled particles, one would find that their velocity of spin would be identical but in opposite directions. They are quantum twins. Maybe it’s time we looked at opposing ideas as quantum twins?

# 066 A higher purpose makes it worth living

A higher purpose makes it worth living

A child must be a topper at school, or else face a bleak future! That is what tiny souls have been indoctrinated into believing and acting. The aspirations of most youth hardly extend beyond a hefty pay package at a multi-national company, a pretty life partner and a flat in a posh locality.

We must all have a purpose in life to sustain our spirits. “The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder — waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life, and, having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you,” said Scottish author Thomas Carlyle.

And the choice of purpose is crucial; its nature determines what one achieves in life as also the level of satisfaction derived in its pursuit. If the purpose is scholastic achievement, material assets, garnering political clout, gaining stage popularity, or becoming a business tycoon, the end result is likely ennui, frustration and eventual annihilation. However, if the ambition is linked with a wider spiritual or philanthropic pursuit, bliss is assured.

Our values and lifestyle tend to precipitate stress, anxiety, depression, personal breakdown and suicidal thoughts, which can be warded off by pinning on a life purpose encompassing such attributes as a sense of belonging and gratitude, staying true to oneself and others, sympathy for fellow beings and sharing of intrinsic concerns. With a positive lifestyle one can maintain inner rhythm and peace.

Many parents spend sleepless nights over the unreasonable demands and growing aggressiveness of their children. A disturbing fact that bespeaks of the mental sickness of our young ones is the high suicidal rate in the 15-29 years age group; as per the National Crime Records Bureau, 8,952 student suicides were witnessed in 2015. Emphasis on scholastic scores does more harm than good.

To the query, “Why are the toppers in high school so rarely the toppers in real life?” Eric Barker, a screenwriter & blogger on good living says, “Academic grades correlate only loosely with intelligence.”

Partly to be blamed for rendering children restive are the parents who enthusiastically support their wards going digital by opening Facebook accounts of the new born, feel elated at their young ones confidently, rather reflexively, playing games on the mobile phones. As early as age five or six, many urban children are assigned a separate living room with internet, to which they become addicted. Alas, the parents realise it too late, after landing in some cyber trouble.

At that stage, the ‘home-coming’ of these children from the cyber world becomes quite a challenge despite the best counsellor’s intervention. In the US, some 33 children below 12 years commit suicide every year. This has a strong message for us in India.

Each suicide is a unique case involving multiple factors. However, suicides are treated as a hot issue by the media and politicians, who look to profit from it. Rather than highlighting the uniqueness of circumstances, often a psychiatric illness in the background that leads one to contemplate and commit suicide, such events are aired to make headlines or settle political scores.

Worse, one cannot even rule out that many suicides are also the result of someone else’s game plans that end up making the vulnerable and the mentally fragile the scapegoats.

Like, if S Anitha of Tamil Nadu, who committed suicide early this month, had been taken into confidence and positively convinced about numerous possibilities for a meaningful living other than entry into a MBBS programme, a life could have been saved.

In the lethal Blue Whale game again, which has taken over 250 lives worldwide, including some in India, it is the vulnerable who are first identified and brainwashed by the handler that life is not worth living.

Man does not come into the world of his own volition. As such, he is not entitled to end his life either of his own volition. What defines us is, how well we rise after falling. There are numerous beautiful places we have not visited, flowers and plants we have not seen, wonderful people we have not interacted with, and so on, all of which make life worth living.

(From an article by Harish Barthwal in Deccan Herald Sep 8 2017)

# 065 Quality is in small things!!

Quality is in small things!!

Spicejet flight from Kolkata to Bangalore date 14.8.2014

The announcement by the captain was clear, good and what is more extempore and not the run of the mill drooling of the same pedestrian info about mere height  at which we are flying et al.

Contrast this with the following:

Spicejet Flight from Bangalore to Kolkata Date 11.8.2014

I had chosen the aisle seat 17C while checking in thro the Web. The passenger seated behind my row in 18 B wanted to exchange his seat with mine because his wife was in 17 B.

Now I loath to travel in middle seat even in a train leave alone the plane. So I declined the request. But I found that another aisle seat, 15 D is vacant and thought it would be a good idea to occupy it releasing 17 C so the couple can sit together. But to my horror the cabin crew (I didn’t note down his name) intervened and told me that it is a payment seat (as if in an Engineering College)!

Now not releasing and holding them vacant even after the flight has taken off in the hope of making a few hundred Rupees is base and down right silly. Especially when it can help some couple or friends to travel together.

Is it the Organisations’ Policy that has made the individual concerned to act in such a manner? Surely not. Could it be the Management? I don’t think so. Because he didn’t not bother to discuss the issue with the cabin crew in charge. He simply took the decision on his own. To what avail? Three dissatisfied customers!! A classic example of poor quality of service due to lack of understanding of basic concepts of quality on the part of an employee of the organization.

This in essence is what is addressed in Clause 7.3 (c) of ISO 9001:2015 which stipulates that “the organization shall that persons doing work under the organization’s control are aware of their contribution to the effectiveness of the quality management system, including the benefits of improved performance

And Clause 9.1.2  of the Standard The organization shall monitor customers’ perceptions of the degree to which their needs and expectations have been fulfilled. Meeting customer requirements is fundamental to achieving customer satisfaction. In fact ISO rightly goes on to emphasise the fact that even when requirements are met a customer may not be satisfied.

Therefore, it is not enough for an airline to offer low airfare, maintain timings and provide snacks free etc. but need to focus on such small things like releasing the “payment seats” at least after take off, looking at ways and means to go that extra bit to meet or exceed unstated needs and expectations of customers to achieve higher levels of satisfaction, earn their goodwill who will act as ambassadors for the org in building the image & brand.

Their announcement that “seats can be purchased” makes it loud & clear that Spicejet indeed is a Cheap Airline – not just by way of fares alone!

As Captains try as they might to win passengers’ goodwill, behavior of a single Cabin Crew can demolish the whole edifice.

# 064 Quality is promising what you can deliver in otherwards delivering what is promised.

Quality is promising what you can deliver in otherwards delivering what is promised.

Corporates - Beware of exaggerated claims !!

Two class action lawsuits have been filed against the Welspun India and its US subsidiaries in New York alleging it perpetrated ‘widespread fraud’ for years by using inferior and less expensive cottons in its bed linens and towels and marketing them as premium Egyptian cotton.


“Welspun uses inferior and less expensive cottons in many of its Egyptian cotton bed linens. For years, Welspun has sold and marketed bed linens as made from Egyptian cotton, which commands a premium in the market because it is perceived as higher quality. As a result, consumers who have purchased Welspun bed linens have overpaid for an inferior product. This action seeks full recompense for Welspun consumers as well as punitive damages for the egregious conduct,” the lawsuit alleges.

Citing a corporate presentation by Welspun that claimed “Your comfort is our commitment”, the lawsuit said Welspun’s commitment is to its own profits rather than the consumer.