Decision analysis in parallel universes
Performance should never be measured by end results, but by cost of alternatives. i.e., what would have happened, if during the course of a process (for which the performance is to be judged), just one event had not happened in the way it actually did? What would have happened if atleast one of the events decided to take a different course?
You wouldn’t be wrong to say that I am referring to MultiVerse (Multiple Possible Universes). In which, the only difference between 2 logically ‘adjacent’ universes is one event. For simpler understanding, read the next few lines -
Look back and think of a particular juncture of your life, when you had to make an important decision. You obviously have an idea about what you decided. Now, assume that you had taken an altogether different decision at that moment. How would have things changed after that? What course would have your life taken after that? Where are you in your life and where ‘could’ you have been?
This leads us to deduce that the life we are living right now is one of the many possible ones. Even Bhagvad Purana (a Hindu scripture) has a similar take on the issue–
The countless universes, each enveloped in its shell, are compelled by the wheel of time to wander within you, like particles of dust blowing about in the sky. The śrutis, following their method of eliminating everything separate from the Supreme, become successful by revealing You as their final conclusion.
Decision Making in Parallel Universes
The post is neither meant to be judgemental of anyone’s decisions nor a way to prompt others to start evaluating their past lives. Past is past. Period.
The post is more of a Lazy–Sunday–Morning-Loud-Thinking.
PS – “Far more than our abilities, it is our choices that show what we truly are” (Albus Dumbledore)
We all at some juncture think ‘what if’ we had done that instead of this! many a times it does become the issue of contemplation and introspection… but if we took this choice what is happening in the parallel universe?
Atreyi
August 7, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Atreyi
Another title of the post could have been ‘What If’
Dev
August 8, 2011 at 12:46 am
If I had not joined this organisation who knows I would have started a Fortune 500. But whatever we think or decide mostly it turns to be the worst as coined by Murphy. This makes life interesting.
DD
August 8, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@DD
Yes DD. Life is a series of questions. So just keep answering.
And who knows you may one day start a Fortune 50 Company.
Dev
August 9, 2011 at 12:41 am
I love unpredictability in life. It challenges me. And I don’t like pondering about the past. If it’s a lesson, take and learn from it. It’s negative to have a “what-if” behavior or thought process.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
August 10, 2011 at 11:10 pm
@Kiran
That is optimism at its best.
Dev
August 11, 2011 at 8:54 am
I loved the Dumbledore quote. Your post reminded of this movie I watched, Sliding doors, based on the parallel lives of a girl who missed the train in one life & caught it in another. It doesn’t answer profoud questions, but just makes you think that life is a combination of the most random choices.
Shivya
August 16, 2011 at 10:30 pm
@shivya
True.
Life is a series of random events based on our choices.
Even economists like Nassim Nicholas Taleb would agree with us.
Dev
August 16, 2011 at 11:40 pm
That Dumbledore quote happens to be my fav
Wish I had a time turner with me. If I hadnt done some mistakes, my life would have been better probably.
Avada Kedavra
August 23, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Avada Kedavra
“The rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.”
Dev
August 23, 2011 at 8:13 pm
The opportunity cost to be precise … Yeah in a way it’s nice to reflect back upon things you have done, things you could have done and how the scenario would have changed as per your decision … It would surely help one in making a more informed decision in the future … But once again, there is no point getting stuck to this thing and keep thinking about what could have been done … What’s gone is gone … Can’t be changed can it ???
…
The two words which have been tormenting human beings since eternity >> “What If” ….
Harsh
August 28, 2011 at 2:26 am
@Harsh
Another similar term which is tormenting our gen is wtf
Dev
August 29, 2011 at 5:25 pm