Can We Become Immortal? A Quantum Perspective

Have you ever survived a near-fatal accident or a severe illness, and your memory of the events differed from those around you? One intriguing explanation for such experiences is called quantum immortality—a concept suggesting that when we face death, our consciousness may continue to exist in a parallel universe.

Quantum immortality originated as a thought experiment in the late 1980s, formulated by physicist Max Tegmark. According to this idea, each time we encounter a life-threatening situation, our consciousness shifts to a similar timeline where we survive. This concept connects with two interpretations of quantum mechanics—the Copenhagen Interpretation and the Many Worlds Interpretation.

The Copenhagen Interpretation, proposed by Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, suggests that particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, but observation collapses them into one state. In contrast, the Many Worlds Interpretation, introduced by Hugh Everett, posits that every possible outcome of a quantum measurement happens in a separate universe.

Quantum immortality is rooted in the Many-Worlds Interpretation, proposing that, when we die in one universe, our consciousness seamlessly transitions to another, allowing us to continue living. The famous “Schrödinger’s cat” thought experiment illustrates the idea of superposition, where an outcome exists in multiple states until observed.

The concept of quantum immortality, however, relies on assumptions, including the correctness of the Many Worlds Interpretation and the idea that scenarios leading to death also include ones where survival occurs. Critics argue that these assumptions may not align with the laws of physics.

A variation of Schrödinger’s cat experiment called “quantum suicide” explores a scenario where a person, in superposition, repeatedly faces a life-threatening situation. According to quantum immortality, their consciousness persists only in the universe where survival happens, creating an illusion of constant survival.

Proponents argue that quantum immortality doesn’t violate known physical laws, but skeptics question the assumptions made. The theory also raises ethical concerns, as it implies experiencing highly unlikely events.

Max Tegmark, a key figure in quantum immortality discussions, has distanced himself from the concept, emphasizing the decline in self-awareness before death and rejecting the idea of long-term survival through universe transitions.

Despite its captivating nature, the theory of quantum immortality remains speculative. The scientific community has yet to provide empirical evidence, making it more of an intriguing idea than an established fact. While it sparks curiosity, true immortality through quantum means remains uncertain, awaiting further research and evidence.