羅琳

Multiverse (or metaverse) is a term coined in 1895 by psychologist William James. Now, if you know a little bit about science this term is not all that unfamiliar. Wikipedia's definition would be, it is "the hypothetical set of multiple possible universes (including our universe) that together comprise all of reality." Still confusing? Got a short example.

Let's say that you have to choose between going out with pretty boy Jack or geeky guy Frank. You chose to go out with pretty boy Jack. Pretty boy Jack turned out to be always cracking horny jokes that really aren't funny at all, and has a brain the size of a chicken egg. In the universe you are presently in, you are sitting through the bad date wishing you had stayed at home or had given geeky guy Frank a chance. Now, the split second you made your decision to go out with pretty boy Jack, ANOTHER universe parallel to the one you're sitting in splits out. In the other parallel universe you went out with geeky guy Frank. He's the nerd his looks promised him to be, and really isn't the hottest date. Yet, he has a pretty nice sense of humor, and is a total gentleman. So actually, you went out with both pretty boy Jack and geeky guy Frank, just in different universes.

This theory of multiple universes has always fascinated me. I wonder just how many universes are out there? Am I happier in another universe? What if I decided to go straight to grad school when I graduated two years ago? What if I never walked into the modeling business? What if I took on a job offer someplace other than in Taiwan? What if....? I'm not pessimistic, I adore my life the way it is right now. But there are always regrets in every decision made. It's comforting to know that somewhere, in another universe, I'm living my life the alternative way.

If you're interested in the topic of multiverse, I would suggest Michael Crichton's "The Terminal Man." Fascinating novel.