Identity, Complex

Written by Paul Gamlowski

March 23, 2054

Journal Entry—A Weird Encounter

Just for the record, I consider myself the most open-minded person, and I never want to interfere with what others are doing or thinking.

This weird situation took place on my way to work, just this past Friday.

It took me the whole weekend to research and try to grasp the theories behind what had happened — I still barely understand them now and might never fully understand.

However, it turns out I'm in good company …

One of the most famous scientists in the field was claimed to have said:

"If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't understand quantum mechanics."

So, I feel confident to write about the situation on Friday without understanding any of it. Here it goes ...

I was talking to a stranger on the subway and realized we had a lot in common. We went to the same schools, lived in the same cities, and had similar musical tastes. I figured I met my new morning commute, chit-chat buddy.

But then the oddest thing happened ...

I asked my new acquaintance for the time, and they pulled out a wristwatch with odd-looking symbols. I couldn't gather what time it said — the digits just kept fluctuating and changing every time I blinked.

My new acquaintance said it was a QE mood watch.

So, I asked, "What's your current mood?"

The person replied, "I'm in flux and entangled right now, so I'd appreciate you cease your imposition of your observation on my identity." Then angrily walked away.

I doubt, after such a perplexing conversation, we'll ever speak again ...

So, here I am, like every workday morning, sitting by myself in the subway going to the office, writing in my journal for some companionship.

I wonder what's the next thing I'll see ...

AI-driven Magic 8 Balls to decide for us within the quantum strings of plausibility, the ideal outcome based on our criteria for happiness? Will it give us those criteria through self-monitoring? In doing so, will it create a feedback loop? Or will there be something else entangled, also in charge?

Will these new wearable qubit tech fads give us the insight to control our destiny, or will they manipulate us and decide our fate?

Perhaps, for us to retain our individuality, our free will should remain as mysterious as our own chaotic nature, and we should keep our identity, complex.