Let’s analyze fixed properties of time as it relates to
historic events. Such as Columbus sailing the world or Alexander the Great
marching into the Indus, or Napoleon conquering Europe. How do these events relate
to fixed properties of time? Let’s take a deeper look. When historic events
take place, it is known that they have in fact occurred and are part of a
historic record. The events such as Columbus sailing the world become known by
the record-keepers and the progenitors who live out such a legacy. So how does
that relate to fixed properties? We can say, definitively, Columbus sailing the
world is a unique, singular event that took place in recorded human history and
is in fact true. So it is the same with Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address or
the American Revolutionary War. But what if there was an alternate timelines
such as in the paradox that two events can exist at the same time with altering
results. How would that impact our perception of time?
For instance, if the American Revolution took place how
would it be different if the British won? Would America exist today? Or if
Napoleon was defeated at Austerlitz would he have gone on to become a great
general. We would have to look at it both ways. If Columbus sailed the ocean
and had landed in India, we can say that the future of the world would surely
have been altered. But he did not. He landed in the Americas and that in turn,
changed the fate of a large part of humanity. Thus, his trip was predestined in
a way and is fixed in terms of its point of view. If he landed in India, the
same amount of time would have passed since his landing if it had otherwise not
been so, and the results would have been drastically altered. So why does this
paradox exist and why does time relate to fixed events if they are seen in
retrospect?
Let’s examine further. If Kennedy had not taken that
ill-fated trip to Dallas, could it be that he would never been shot? Would the
course of history been altered? But he did take that trip, and he did ride in
the motorcade that eventually led to his assassination and a great human
tragedy took place. The course of history would never be the same and it seemed
predestined. Was it preordained for Kennedy to die that day or even Lincoln? Could
a slight variation have changed the course of history? How would the impact be
felt?
If I lost a dollar while walking to the subway, it might
have some small effect on me- I might not have enough fare or have to walk or
turn back. But the effect would be slight and my will would overcome the choice
of the dollar being lost or saved. Hence, if some bigger historic event occurred
such as the sinking of the Titanic, it might be felt more greatly but the
greater pathos would prevail and would eventually subsume that loss. So if the
Titanic did not sink or sank it would not matter in the greater course of
things since a single event does not define all of human history. In the same
way, fixed properties of time relate to our immortality in that the slightest
variation in the course of historic events does not change the essence of our
being and hence, only changes our perception. We can overcome loss, rebound,
resist and prevail if our will is strong enough. Thus, even the greatest,
ill-fated histories can often be overcome with faith, the power of healing and
love. It seems in the scope of fixed properties, we can change our destinies.
So from an existential point of view, we can outlive
historic events for good or for bad due to their relationship with fixed
properties. If we have the will we can find a way, so to speak. So even the
most traumatic events or tragic loss can be reverted and redeemed if our will
to see the truth and act accordingly is carried out. Thus, history as it
relates to our fixed properties is only a matter of seeing the glass half full
or empty.
