I read this article once, and it seemed a bit unusual. I can’t find it on the internet, so let me sum it up. I don’t know why, but this seems to be something that should be asked in the R&S section:
If the universe is infinite in size, then there are an infinite number of each individual, each one exactly the same as, or slightly different, the exampled person.
The article used Bill Maher as an example. If the solar system is just a cloud of gas and dust that, under force of gravity, has solidified and ignited, and the physical size of the universe has no limit, there are an infinite number of of places that underwent the same process.
Are you a person who is interested in green energy and using Solar Energy Panels or creating your own Home Wind Power, then you are just like myself. I have had a keen interest in green energy every since I studied Architecture many many years ago. At that time I learned that is was possible to build homes that are completely self sufficient which was so compelling to me I had to know more.
Seeing how there is no limit to the overall scale of things, it is actually possible to travel to some distant galaxy and find another Bill Maher, maybe one that is just like the one we know, and the one that is somewhat different. If you were to make the same trip again, you’d find the same thing. The idea in being, there are and endless number of Bill Mahers all spread out over the vast reaches of space.
Does this sound stupid? If you were to meet yourself in such a place, what would you do?
andie, what are you on about?
PICTI: I was going to say the same thing. Wow…
It’s possible.
But no one said the universe was infinite….
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#1 by Caerus at March 9th, 2010
It’s possible.
But no one said the universe was infinite….
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#2 by icarus62 at March 9th, 2010
Infinity is a concept but there is no reason to believe it exists in the real world.
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#3 by Rockadayjohnny at March 9th, 2010
Add time and it’s the proof some cosmologist gave for believing in God, recently.
Reminds me of the Woody Allen joke where he says there is a guy exactly like him somewhere in the world, and he tries to call him but every time he dials he gets a busy signal.
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#4 by A SCYTHIAN PICTI at March 9th, 2010
fight him
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#5 by Dendronbat Crocoduck at March 9th, 2010
Our universe is large but is definitely finite in size. However some scientists think that a multiverse, with a near infinite number of universes may be a possibility. If that is so then maybe there are other Bill Mahers, albeit perhaps not quite as funny as ours.
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#6 by loveface at March 9th, 2010
This is not stupid and in fact is quite valid. If I were to meet myself I would probably smoke a bowl with me and if my other self didn’t smoke weed I would make me do it.
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#7 by huliendin returns at March 9th, 2010
Technically, yes. If you had two solar systems that supported life, and on them, human history unfurled the same way, there is a high chance that the two people who evolved similarly into the same persons wouldn’t be identical. For instance, if their solar system had two moons or a random asteroid or comet flew past their planet, their history and experiences would be different from ours. It is possible to have the identical situations, but that is very, very unlikely as everything must be perfectly identical for the histories to take place.
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#8 by pat z at March 9th, 2010
I think Bill Maher started this "rumor". The guy IS funny; he also has a huge ego!
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Does that mean there are a lot of mes out there? Oh my!
#9 by jusapobo at March 9th, 2010
It don’t sound stupid as there are no stupid questions. It does however sound scary to think there is another person just like myself.
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#10 by Stevie M at March 9th, 2010
As Caerus said, this assumes the universe is infinite in size. I’m no cosmologist but I believe the consensus is that it’s finite but really big. Really really big.
Even if the universe is infinite in size, we have no particular reason to think there are an infinite number of galaxies or solar systems or — FSM help us — Bill Mahers. Every infinite set contains finite subsets.
It doesn’t sound stupid — it sounds like an intriguing episode of the Twilight Zone. But I think it’s unlikely.
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#11 by andrewcito21 at March 9th, 2010
That is very inteligent. Let’s put it this way. Out of ALL those huge (scientific) words you used. What is the summary. You believe in something that you have never proven or seen. Flip to the book of acts. And read about a man named saul. This man wanted to kill and persecute Christians, until he finally saw what no man can actually see with his own two eyes. God. So If one comes up with a summary like yours. Why can’t you just believe in the ONE CREATOR. GOD. AMEN P.S. you are still blind just as saul was. Open your bible and read. You will find life.
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King James Bible
#12 by M S at March 9th, 2010
when you say: " universe" then, you are referring to defined place with limits, we, humans, with the science we have are unable to compass it
Holy Quran:17:
They will ask thee concerning the Spirit. Say: The Spirit is by command of my Lord, and of knowledge ye have been vouchsafed but little. (85)
indeed / amen
we do not know about the soul or the far space
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