Journey to a parallel (alternate) universe

In 2015, I wrote the article Time Travel and the Butterfly Effect.

The premise of this hypothetical theory was that we existed in a single universe played out in three alternate realities: past, present, and future. If we believed that our present or future conditions deserved a better outcome, we could transition back in time and alter our past actions then return to the present or future to benefit from the results. With Time Travel, only one universe is considered, and history can only exist at any one moment as it dictates overriding the original timeline with a new one.

Some physicists argue that time travel actually creates multiple timelines instead of overriding the original one. They believe that by going back to the past, you leave the present still functioning because only you alone took that journey. The past you have altered now becomes a separate timeline functioning alongside the present with two divergent outcomes.

Here is an example:

Let’s say your leg was amputated following a horrific accident. The surgeon and nurse carried out this procedure. Your family adjusted to this terrible tragedy. Now, you go back to the past and avoided the accident. Your leg is saved. But wait! What happened to the doctor, nurse, and relatives you left in the present? They did not travel with you to the past. Only you did. So they remain in the present with you and this ordeal while you created an alternate outcome - both situations now co-existing in separate timelines.

PARALLEL UNIVERSE

A parallel or alternate universe is another hypothetical theory. It is a supposition that there is an alternate earth self-contained in another universe out there and co-existing with our universe. Unlike time travel, to reach an alternate universe we do not transition through time, but we physically travel from one universe to the next.

ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE

According to a physicist, around 13.7 billion years ago, the origin of the universe was once an extremely small singularity. Then according to the Big Bang Theory, some unknown trigger caused it to expand and inflate in three-dimensional space. As the immense energy of this initial expansion cooled, light began to shine through. Eventually, the small particles began to form into larger clusters of matter we know today as the universe – a galaxies, stars, and planets.

Because these particles can only be created into so many unique formations, they begin to duplicate themselves. Eventually inquiring minds began to ask: Is there another universe out there just like us?

Could there be another earth on which lives another you?

ALTERNATE YOU IN PARALLEL UNIVERSE

What would the alternate you look like in a parallel universe? Would you have similar personality traits and characteristics? Would you be the same gender … for that matter?

Here is where it gets weird.

I (fictitiously) travelled to a parallel universe and visited Earth 2. The city is immaculately clean. I am startled by the people’s appearance. They are not clothed and their bodies have similar anatomical outlines with no genital distinctions. My inquiry as to these bizarre features was answered with amusement. Why should we be clothed? they scoffed. There is no need for shame and no temptation for lust, sexual manipulation, or abuse, they explained.

The people are physically identified by their facial features that matures, just as ours do back on Earth 1.

Intimacies can only occur by mutual consent. Once compatibility is achieved, then their complete anatomy evolves into their desired gender, form, and function.

Friendships and unions are granted three-year licences, after which they are renewed or cancelled upon agreement between both parties. If cancelled, the memories of each other are erased and you are alerted if you find yourself falling for the same person. If children or assets are involved, then it goes through mediation, then the court system if required.

The government has an ideology that is practical and beneficial for all. They provide food, shelter, and healthcare. There is no poverty and no significant wealth or income disparities. Everyone can afford a wide variety of goods and services. There are no thefts, murders, or malicious physical harm to each other, and that is a welcome relief to law- enforcement agencies that, basically, performs administrative functions.

There is no religious ideology. Families rely on their community and family resources through weekly congregations to comfort each other with heartwarming reflections.

BETTER EARTH?

Is this a better earth? Are you still with me?

As I promenade through a déjà vu metropolitan city, I met ... me.

I must say that I took far better care of myself here. No adverse effects from late-night parties, excessive drinking, the stress from ill-advised adventures, or painful and pointless friendships.

Earth 2 Karl showed me his Facebook page. He only had 20 friends. Remarkably, this social media platform had evolved to filter and accept those who were actually genuine friends.

While the idea of a parallel universe may seem incredible, many scientists are buying into the idea of a multitude of universes co-existing somewhere out there. In fact, some scientists are now claiming that the Big Bang Theory we see as the origin of life could actually be the result of two universes colliding, thus generating a new one.

Regardless of the arguments for and against time travel and parallel universes, this conversation is a welcome distraction to take our mind away from more serious issues.

Stay safe, Earth1

Karl Salmon is a former Jamaican Foreign Service officer now living in Canada.