Life is but a dream (2).

.........contd.

Others keep probing the theory. In 1961 a prominent theorist, Eugene Wigner, proposed a thought experiment similar to the conundrum of Schrodinger's cat. Instead of the fabled cat in a box, imagine that a friend of Wigner is inside a laboratory monitoring a radioactive specimen. When the specimen decays, a detector flashes.

Now imagine Wigner is outside the lab. If Wigner's friend sees the detector flash, he knows that the specimen has decayed. But to Wigner, standing outside the lab, the specimen, his friend and the entire lab hover in a blur of possible states. Wigner and his friend seem to occupy two distinct realities.

In 2020, physicists performed a version of Wigner's thought experiment and concluded that his intuitions were correct. In a story for Science headlined "Quantum paradox points to shaky foundations of reality", physics reporter George Musser says the experiment calls objectivity into question. "It could mean there is no such thing as an absolute fact", Musser writes, "one that is true for me as it is for you".

A newish interpretation of quantum mechanics called QBism (pronounced "Cubism", like the art movement) makes subjective experience the bedrock of knowledge and reality itself. David Mermim, a prominent theorist, says QBism can dispel the "confusion at the foundations of quantum mechanics". You just have to accept that all knowledge begins with "individual personal experience".

According to QBism, each of us constructs a set of beliefs about the world, based on our interactions with it. We constantly, implicitly, update our beliefs when we interact with relatives who refuse to get vaccinated or sensors tracking the swerve of an electron. The big reality in which we all live emerges from the collisions of all our subjective mini-realities.

QBism hedge their mind-centrism, if only so they don't come across as loons or mystics. They accept that matter exists as well as mind and they reject solipsism which holds that no sentient being can really be sure that any other being is sentient. But QBism's core message, science writer Amanda Gefter says, is that the idea of "a single objective reality is an illusion. A dream, you might say.

Proponents bicker over definitions and physicists and philosophers fond of objectivity reject QBism entirely. All this squabbling, ironically, seems to confirm QBism's premise that there is no absolute objectivity; there are only subjective, first-person viewpoints.

Physicists have more in common than most would like to admit with artists who try to turn the chaos of things into a meaningful narrative. Some artists thwart our desire for meaning. TS Eliot's poem The Waste Land is an anti-narrative, a grab bag of images that pop in and out of the void. The poem resembles a dream or nightmare. Its meaning is that there is no meaning, no master narrative. Life is a joke and the joke is on you if you believe otherwise.

If you are a practical person, like one of the finance majors in my freshman humanities class, you might conclude, along with TS Eliot, that efforts to comprehend existence are futile. You might urge friends majoring in philosophy to enjoy life rather than fretting over its meaning. You might summarize this advice with a catchy slogan : "Shut up and procreate!" But even those pragmatists must wonder now and then what our communal dream means.

........concluded.

- John Horgan directs the Center for Science Writings at the Stevens Institute of Technology. His books include The end of Science, The End of War and Mind-Body Problems, available for free at mindbodyproblems.com. For many years he wrote the popular blog Cross Check for Scientific American.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. After breakfast and my work on the laptop, went to town to collect our fruit basket and some grocery.

Participated in the 554th version of the Aazhchakkoottam : "2022 Union Budget and the Common Man" by Dr K Ravi Raman, Member, Planning Board, Government of Kerala. An interesting lecture.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants.

Life is but a dream (1).

A radical quantum hypothesis casts doubt on objective reality.

Interpreting dreams is an imperfect, highly subjective art, as Sigmund Freud, in his rare moments of humility, would surely have granted. Dreams are entirely private, first-person experiences that leave no traces beyond the dreamer's fallible memory.

And yet making sense of dreams, it occurs to me lately, is not wholly dissimilar from making sense of "reality", whatever that is. Yes, we all live in the same world. We can compare notes on what is happening and draw inferences, in a way impossible with dreams.

And yet your experiences of the world is unique to you. So is your interpretation of it, which depends on your prior beliefs, yearnings and aversions and on what matters to you. 

Science offers our best hope for achieving consensus about what happens. Scientists accumulate these fragments into a coherent story. After much haggling and second-guessing, scientists converge on a plausible narrative. Modern humans evolved from apelike creatures living in Africa millions of years ago.

As philosopher Michael Strevens points out in The Knowledge Machine, science resolves disputes by means of repeated observations and experiments. Strevens calls scientists' commitment to empirical data the "iron rule of explanation". Ideally, the iron rule produces durable, objectively true accounts of the world. But subjectivity is hard to expunge even in physics, the foundation on which science rests. Quantum mechanics, a mathematical model of matter at very small scales, is science's most rigorously tested theory. Countless experiments have confirmed it, as do computer chips, lasers and other technologies that exploit quantum effects.

Unfortunately, quantum mechanics defies common sense. For more than a century, physicists have tried to interpret the theory, to turn it into a coherent story, in vain. "Every competent physicist can 'do' quantum mechanics", a leading textbook says, "but the stories we tell ourselves about what we are doing are as various as the tales of Scheherazade and almost as implausible".

Many physicists ignore the puzzles posed by quantum mechanics. They take a practical, utilitarian attitude towards the theory, summed up by the admonition, "Shut up and calculate!" That is, forget about those quantum paradoxes and keep working on that quantum computer, which might make you rich.

.......to be contd. 

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle after 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Lasser, the contractor, had dropped by to assess the quantum of work on the roofing of 'The Quarterdeck' for applying two coats of Dr Fix it to prevent seepages during heavy rains. The work will take three days and I hope to kill it next week. He will give me the cost estimates by Monday. 

Washing machinex of bedlinen. 

Helped Lekha in watering the plants.

Highlights of Budget 2022 (2).

........contd.

16. 25,000 compliances have been done away with and 1,486 union laws have been repealed.

17. Digital rupee to be issued using block chain and other technologies; to be issued by RBI starting 2022-'23. This will give a big boost to the economy. 

18. Budget seeks to lay the blueprint to steer the economy over the next 25 years from India @ 75 to India @ 100.

19. Children mostly in Govt schools have lost two years of formal education. High quality e-content will be developed in regional languages. A digital university will be set up. Will be built on a network hub-spoke model.

20. Teachers will be equipped with digital tools. Digital University will be set up.

21. Public issue of LIC is expected shortly. Others are expected shortly. This budget will continue to provide impetus for growth - futuristic and inclusive.

22. Speed in coverage of vaccination has helped in economic recovery.

23. Modern infra for India @ 100 with Multi-model approach.

24. Budget to focus on 4 pillars - productivity, climate action, financing investments and PM Gati Shakti plan.

25. PM Gati Shakti Energy transition, Climate Action to fuel sustainable development.

26. PLI in 14 Sectors to create 50 lakh new jobs and additional production of Rs.30 lakh cr.

27. We are in the midst of Omicron wave; the speed of our vaccination campaign has helped greatly. I am confident that 'Sabka Prayas'; we'll continue with strong growth.

28. This Budget (2022-'23) will benefit youth, women, farmers, SC, ST; shall be guided by PM Gati Shakti master plan.

29. Contracts for 4 multi model logistics in PPP mode will be awarded in 2022-'23.

30. 400 new generation Vande Bharat trains with better efficiency to be brought in during the next three years.   

.......will be continued to be put in, as fillers.

Tailpiece.

Got up around a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Another quiet day. Walked down to the petrol bunk, nearby, to collect some change.

The Pureflames rep had dropped by to service the stoves followed by the 'Kudumbasree women's collective' who had come by to collect the plastic waste.

Highlights of Budget 2022 (1).

   1. Crypto currency to be taxed at 30% special rate, no deduction allowed. Online digital assets to be taxed at 30%. No deductions or set off of losses.

   2. Corporate  surcharge to be reduced from 12% to 7%.

   3. Health and Education Cess and Surcharge shall not be allowed as business expenditure.

   4. Propose to cap surcharge for AOPs at 15%. Also cap surcharge on LTCG arising from transfer of assets at 15% to give a boost to startup community.

   5. No change in slab rates for individuals and others.

   6. If undeclared income detected during search, no deduction will be allowed on such additional income.

   7. Propose a provision to file an updated return with payment of additional tax to correct any errors in assessment. Assesses can declare income that may have been missed out previously. New provision introduced to file updated ITR within 2 years in case of any omission or mistake.

   8. To reduce surcharge on co-operative societies to 7% from 12% for income between Rs.1 cr to Rs.10 cr.

   9. Despite Covid pandemic, GST collection has touched all time high from its inception. FM gives credit to recovering economy and administrative measures taken by  revenue department. Gross GST collection in Jan 2022 - Rs.1,46,986 cr.

 10. Persons with disability - parents and guardians can avail annuity even in their life time.

 11. Tax Deduction limit for state government employees to NPS raised to 14% from 10%.

 12. Incentives for startups : period of incorporation extended by a year to 2023 to avail of tax benefits. For corporates, extension also granted for new companies to set up manufacturing facilities to 2024 from earlier 2023.

 13. Section 115BAB the date for setting up business increased by one year to 2024. Incentive for newly incorporated manufacturing industry a concessional tax rate of 15% was introduced.

 14. Issuance of E-passports will be rolled out in 2022-23 to enhance convenience for citizens.

 15. India Economic Growth FY22 to be at 9.2%.

PS.

Just a tip of the many highlights. To be contd........

Tailpiece.

Got up around a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. The maid had asked for a day off early in the morning.

The a/cs have been serviced and are ready for use during the warm months ahead. Nidhish, the service representative is a guy with good value system.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants.

Frequent power interruptions during the course of the evening were a cause of irritation! 

Trudeau's moment of truth

This is the fate of all those who use treachery to achieve their goals.

As Trudeau, the poster boy of liberal world runs into hiding to save himself and his family from protestors, we must look back at the patience, perseverance and gumption shown by the Indian Government.

Before running away, Trudeau told media that he was concerned the protest would turn violent but said the convoy represented a "small fringe minority" who "do not represent the views of Canadians".

This man, some people in his government and the ecosystem that has carried him on its shoulders; they have directly or indirectly fanned, funded and fabricated protests in India for the past three years. They've rejoiced at India's misery. They even were part of the caucus that desecrated Republic Day 2021. They celebrated the PM of India being stranded on a flyover very recently.

Canada has steadfastly supported every Anti-India activity within their land and beyond, especially since Trudeau took over. Number of Khalistan supporters are part of Trudeau's cabinet. From desecration of Amar Jawan Jyoti by Islamist mobs to Shaheen Bagh protests to Delhi riots to attack on the sanctity of Indian Republic Day to grave security threat to the PM, India has outlived all this. But our PM didn't have to hide from people.

What started as a protest against "COVID19 norms" of Canada Government has escalated into free for all agitation. The blue-eyed-boy is being abused by protestors in the choicest of languages. They even desecrated "National War Memorial". Here is a very relevant tweet, If you feed milk and eggs to snakes with the intention of unleashing them on your enemies, remember they are snakes. Biting is their nature. They won't recognise the hand that fed them when biting becomes the only thing they know.

India will outlive George Soros, Trudeau, Pakistan, Turkey, China, Liberals, Congress, Communists, Khalistanis and all those who want to destroy us. For the sake of humanity, let's hope Canada manages to survive Justin Trudeau.

- What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Had got up at 6 with Lekha having a bad throat pain. She was managed through the day with medicines as advised by Dr Mallan. I was almost free of my irritations.

Selvam came after more than a fortnight to press the clothes.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants, in the evening.  

What motivates these people, I wonder?

I view with absolute concern at many of my countrymen who act and think ill for the country. What motivates them into doing despicable things? Aren't they interested in seeing their country as the world's best, the most prosperous and even a superpower at that? And what gives them the right to indulge in anti-national activities after getting the best out of this country? Don't they understand the meaning of the word 'motherland'? It's my firm belief that the ones who don't understand the all encompassing meaning of the word 'mother' are the ones who sell their motherland!

I would like to quote a few instances to highlight my apprehensions.

* Former Vice President Hamid Ansari has been making a lot of unsavoury observations about the present situation prevalent in this country. A guy like him who has had the best of everything in this country is now making noises to the effect that he seems unsafe today. By saying so, isn't he lamenting, albeit indirectly, that his moribund party might not ever come back to power with their archaic ways of playing politics?

* Javed Akhtar wrote interesting movie scripts and all of us liked him for being a winner. But now he talks like a loser and comes out with vague arguments after getting the best from this country.

* It's a healthy sign that everyone of us has his/her own political opinion and based on one's ideology, must strive and work towards nation building and complement the other parties in such an effort. The battle of the ballot takes place periodically and the wise Indian public cast their votes for the party that offers the best of the alternatives. That castes have been misused, as convenient vote banks, has been a continuing bane.

* Can still not forget the horrific sights of 26 Jan 2021, at the Red Fort which was the handiwork of hooligans who bore ill will towards this country. Did they do it for those 15' of fame? Their funding agents should be seriously pursued and brought to book.

And seriously, what's wrong with the question, "It can safely be presumed that those who nurture ill feelings towards the country don't like it here. Why don't you go to a country of your liking? It will be the best solution for everyone.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Lekha wasn't quite okay early in the morning, but was all right an hour later. After breakfast, she'd gone to the ration stand with the maid to buy stuff and then went across to the 'akshaya kendra' to get her updated ration card. Phew! It has been her efforts all through.

Discussed with Dr Mallan about Lekha's dental condition and he has put her on three more days of antibiotics.     

 

The good 'ole days!

My mom used to make chicken sandwiches, chop eggs and spread butter on bread on the same cutting board with the same knife but we didn't seem to get food poisoning.

Our school sandwiches were wrapped in wax paper in a brown paper bag, not ice pack coolers and stayed that way till lunchtime but I can't remember anyone getting e.Coli.

We dipped our feet in lakes and ponds and didn't come home half dead with infection.

We all took PT.....And risked permanent injury with a pair of white keds from Batas instead of having cross-training athletic shoes with air cushion soles and built in light reflectors that cost as much as a small car. I can't recall any injuries but they must have happened because they tell us how much safer we are now if we spend thousands on branded running shoes.

We got a slap at home for doing something wrong at school, they used to call it discipline, yet we all grew up to accept the rules and to honour and respect those older than us.

We chanted the tables and all learned to read and write, do maths and spell almost all the words needed to write a grammatically correct letter........, FUNNY THAT!!

We all said prayers in school irrespective of our religion or sang the national anthem and no one got upset.

Staying in detention after school caught all sorts of negative attention and we tried not to mention it at home.

I thought that I was supposed to accomplish something before I was allowed to be proud of myself.

I just can't recall how bored we were without computers, Play Station, Nintendo, X-box or 270 digital TV cable stations. We weren't!!

Oh yeah.....And where were the antibiotics and sterilisation kit when I when I got that bee sting? I could have been killed!

We played catch or cricket on vacant sites and when we got hurt, mom pulled out the bottle of iodine and we dreaded the sting.

Now it's a trip to the emergency room, followed by a 10 day dose of antibiotics and then mom calls the lawyer to sue the site owner for not putting up a fence.

To top it off, not a single person I knew had ever been told they were from a dysfunctional family. How could we possibly have known that?

We never needed to get into group therapy and/or anger management classes. If there were anything  psychologically wrong with us there were ten people at home waiting to tell us.

We were obviously so duped by so many societal alls, that we didn't even notice that the entire country wasn't taking Prozac!

How did we ever survive?

Love to all of us who shared this era.

And to all who didn't, sorry for what you missed.

I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Aaaah, those were the days!!!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 20' to 7, the chores, opened up the house and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Spoke to Rema and Mini. The caretaker had called up to say that there were 5 workers in our compound and that should finish up the job by tomorrow.

A quiet day otherwise.