Metaphysics

I read recently of the theory of the multiverse, which states that our reality may be just one of a huge number of parallel universes. Articles on this can be found all over the internet; this one is from one of the more authoritative publications.

The Case for Parallel Universes - Scientific American

Setting aside astrophysics, string theory and the like, I understand that some things are hidden to us, and always will be. They exist even though we are unaware of them. There are limits to what humans can perceive. What we do perceive cannot be the complete reality.

Suppose that there are an immense number of parallel universes, existing side by side, only one of which we can perceive. Close but not touching...beyond time, beyond reason, beyond comprehension. If so, who created all those different universes? The inhabitants of one of these bubbles would reason that something must have created what they believe is "everything." They would call that entity God, the supreme being. But what about all the other universes? Must each and every one of them necessarily have been created by the same God? If there are an unlimited number of universes, could there also be an infinite number of beings which created them? Must there be one entity which is supreme over all?

The very concept of a supreme being is imponderable. Every thing -- at least, every concrete thing - we can think of is exceeded by something greater. The largest number you can think of is always exceeded by something larger. You may be strong, or smart, or beautiful, but there is bound to be someone stronger, smarter, more beautiful. You may be the fastest gun in the West, or the best guitar player in the world, but inevitably you will encounter someone faster or better.

Where does it end? People of faith believe that there is something greater than everything, and they call that God. But if there are multiple realities, it is at least possible that each was created by a different being -- not supreme, but merely superior: an artisan, who like a watchmaker assembled that particular universe and set it in motion. Must there be a supreme being who created all those artisan gods and has dominion over them? Or is there no supreme being, just an endless series of higher and higher beings, each greater than the next, on and on to infinity?

Or perhaps there are no higher beings at all. If something exists, must it have been created by something else?

These are questions with no answers.

Unofficial Retirement

Such has been my status for the past three years. I never pictured myself as the sort of person who retired early. But somehow events and chance brought me to this point. Two corporate mergers in four years left me out of a job at age 60. At that age professional options narrow considerably, especially when you’re as specialized as I am and unwilling to relocate. 

At this point the relocation issue hardly matters. Most corporations don't spend tens of thousands of dollars to relocate a well-paid professional who is less than 2 years away from normal retirement age.

Interviews for several local jobs in my chosen profession produced no results, and also confirmed what I already knew: I have lost my appetite for corporate life, with the attendant stress, anxiety and long hours I endured for decades. 

I thought I was prepared for this situation. My fallback plan was to finish my working years in a less demanding job, or even a menial one: limousine driver, casino employee, night watchman, or something of that sort. But I can’t bear to think about the drudgery and poor working conditions of such a job, especially when there is no financial need for it. 

On a lark, I applied for a job with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As I worked my way through the application process, I found myself warming to the idea of being an airline security officer (i.e. bag screener). I knew I would do that job properly and thoroughly. I pictured myself as a man doing important work, protecting our nation. A commanding figure in a uniform and badge,  directing air travelers to take off their shoes and step through the metal detector. I stated that I was willing to work nights, weekends, part time, full time, overtime and split shifts. But the TSA had no interest in my candidacy, as recruiters say. What’s the big deal? I’m only 63 years old. 

So, here I sit, weighing the remaining options: Community service? Volunteer? Start my own little business, doing God only knows what? I'd better begin by pulling  myself out of this funk. A trip to the gym would be a good place to start.