How to Build a Universe That Doesn’t Fall Apart Two Days Later Essay Example

were restricted to low-quality pulp publications without making any meaningful impact.

In that time span, often my associates would inquire if I was indulging in any writing outside of science fiction by asking, "Are you producing any serious literature?" Their aim was to determine whether I had explored other genres. Our goal was to achieve recognition and acceptance. Unexpectedly, we drew the interest of scholars who invited us for lectures and panel discussions - sadly, our involvement led to humiliation. The dilemma is quite evident: What domain can a science fiction writer assert proficiency in? What topics can they be deemed experts on? This reminds me of a headline I noticed in a Californian newspaper prior to coming here: SCIENTISTS CONFIRM THAT MICE CANNOT BECOME HUMANS.

The text discusses a federally funded research program that explores whether mice can pass as humans by wearing certain clothing. While the author admits to not being an authority on any subject, they express a strong interest in two topics: the nature of reality and what defines an authentic human being. Over the past 27 years, the author has investigated these topics repeatedly through their novels and stories. They believe these topics to be important and question what we are and what exists beyond our personal experiences. It was in 1951, when they sold their first story, that they discovered the potential for exploring these fundamental issues within the science fiction genre. The author began pursuing these themes unconsciously, with their first story revolving around a dog who believed garbagemen were stealing food from a safe metal container.

Each day, the family would fill paper bags

with tasty food and place them inside a metal bin. Despite securely fastening the lid, odd beings would arrive when it was full and take away everything except for the container itself. Gradually, in this tale, the dog begins to imagine a situation where not only does the refuse collector steal their food but also consumes the home's residents. Of course, this is far from reality. It is universally understood that sanitation workers do not eat people. However, given what he observes, one can argue that the dog's reasoning exhibited some logic.

After observing a real dog closely, I endeavored to comprehend its perspective and experiences. It became apparent that this canine's worldview was distinct from mine or any other human's. This insight prompted me to contemplate if every individual resides in their own unique and isolated cosmos, detached from others' experiences. Such contemplation led me to question the existence of a single reality or possibly multiple realities. Additionally, if various realities do exist, is it feasible that some are more true or authentic than others?

Have we ever truly considered the reality that a schizophrenic person experiences? Their understanding of the world could be viewed as legitimate as our own comprehension of the universe. The difference should not depend on whether their perspectives align with reality or not, but rather, it lies in how their interpretation significantly varies from ours, making it unexchangeable between them and us, and vice versa. Issues surface when these personal realities showcase such stark differences that communication becomes ineffective, leading to symptoms of the disease itself. There was an instance where I narrated a story about an

individual who got injured and had to be hospitalized. During his medical procedures, it was revealed that he unknowingly existed as an android instead of a human.

The necessity to notify him was paramount. Mr. Garson Poole swiftly came to the understanding that his existence was essentially a punched tape moving back and forth within his torso. Fascinated, he began to fill in some of these perforated holes while also creating new ones. Immediately, his universe underwent a dramatic shift. Making a fresh hole in the tape led to an ensemble of ducks taking flight across the room. Eventually, when he completely cut off the tape, it led to his world vanishing completely. In an unexpected turn of events, this action also resulted in all other characters from the story disappearing...a phenomenon that defies logic upon reflection unless one considers that these other characters might just be products of his punched-tape illusion which is quite likely what they were.

Throughout my literary voyage, I've consistently strived to decode the mystery of "What is reality?". This question has also intrigued my audience. Despite writing numerous novels and stories, I couldn't fully encapsulate what reality actually signifies. However, in 1972, a philosophy student from a Canadian university approached me with this question for her academic work. Following intense reflection, I expressed my interpretation as, "Reality is that which remains even when your belief in it ceases."

There was a turning point in my life when distinguishing between what's real and what's not became challenging. This isn't just an intellectual challenge; it is a matter of genuine concern. The origin of this issue can be

traced back to our contemporary era where various entities such as media houses, governments, major businesses, and religious or political organizations create alternate realities. Furthermore, we have electronic devices readily available that can inject these fabricated worlds directly into individual consciousness via reading, viewing or listening. From time to time, I find myself questioning the values my eleven-year-old daughter might be absorbing while engrossed in TV shows. In such instances, addressing any potential misconceptions becomes crucial especially since adult content is easily reachable by young children.

The child may misunderstand half of what is said and done in TV drama, or even misunderstand everything. Moreover, there are doubts about the authenticity of the information presented, even if the child understands it correctly. It is also important to consider the relationship between average TV situation comedies and reality. The same goes for cop shows, where cars are constantly crashing and catching fire while the police always come out victorious. It is crucial to acknowledge this powerful lesson: one should not challenge authority because they will inevitably lose.

The primary concept communicated in this passage is to adopt a passive stance and cooperate. When Officer Baretta seeks data, it's encouraged to give it because he is reliable and has your best interests at heart. It's crucial to have faith in him and cherish his presence. The query I raise in my piece of writing ponders over the nature of truth? We are relentlessly exposed to fabricated realities crafted by highly skillful people utilizing cutting-edge electronic systems. While their motives do not concern me, their extensive influence does make me cautious. They hold an impressive capability

to fabricate entire cosmos - dominions of consciousness. My viewpoints are based on personal experiences as I partake in analogous activities.

As a writer, it is my duty to design consistent realms for each book I pen, ensuring their continuity over time as anticipated by my editors. Yet, there's an underlying fascination in me to create worlds that eventually disintegrate. Observing this breakdown and how the protagonists of my narratives face this predicament brings me joy. The allure of chaos is undeniable to me, and I hold the belief that its presence should be more prevalent. It's crucial not to perceive order and steadiness as always resulting in positive repercussions, whether it’s in reality or a fictional realm. The state of decay must always give way to new existence and the rise of innovative concepts. For novel notions to prosper, antiquated ones need to gradually disappear. This understanding can be perilous given it entails bidding farewell to what we're accustomed to – which invariably inflicts pain. Nonetheless, this forms an integral element of life’s tale - embracing change psychologically or else risk internal stagnation. What I'm asserting here is that objects, traditions, routines and lifestyles must cease for authentic human beings' survival and growth – those who are resilient and adaptable matter most; these individuals capable of recovering quickly from setbacks while adjusting seamlessly with changing scenarios.

Residing close to Disneyland, I consistently observe the incessant cycle of introducing and removing attractions, leading me to view it as a ceaselessly evolving entity. In the past, they featured the temporary Lincoln Simulacrum, reflecting the notion that material and energy also possess ephemeral states. This

principle is applicable to all individuals, irrespective of their acknowledgement. Parmenides, an early Greek philosopher prior to Socrates, asserted that only entities which do not change were authentic. Conversely, Heraclitus- another philosopher from the pre-Socratic era- proposed an opposing belief - that everything experiences change. Integrating both viewpoints leads to the inference that nothing can be categorically considered real.

Parmenides' own philosophy suggests that he could not have existed as he grew old, died, and disappeared. On the other hand, Heraclitus' perspective presents the idea that if he was right, then Parmenides did indeed exist. In this case, according to Heraclitus' philosophy, Parmenides might have been right as he fulfilled the criteria for determining reality. This example serves to illustrate that once you start questioning the ultimate reality, you immediately delve into nonsensical discussions.

The proof presented by Zeno to demonstrate the impossibility of movement was fundamentally erroneous (despite his belief in its success, he didn't possess the "theory of limits"). Famed for his deep-seated skepticism, David Hume once observed that a group of skeptics who convened to affirm their philosophical stance still exited via the door instead of the window. This anecdote suggests that their skeptical statements were simply rhetoric and not reflected in their actions. Nevertheless, I firmly hold the view that defining what reality is constitutes a profoundly significant and pivotal matter.

Another topic nested within this conversation pertains to defining the true essence of being human. This becomes particularly significant in an era where a deluge of fabricated truths leads to the emergence of counterfeit personalities - individuals who are just as fake as the incessant wave of

distorted information that engulfs them. These two subjects are fundamentally intertwined, intersecting at this point. When false realities take shape, they breed false humans. Conversely, when people lack authenticity, they create and distribute ersatz realities which gradually turn others into mere replicas of their authentic selves. As a result, we find ourselves amidst manufactured individuals creating and propagating artificial worlds among other similarly constructed individuals.

The text below discusses Disneyland as a larger version of itself, featuring attractions like the Pirate Ride, Lincoln Simulacrum, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. However, none of these attractions are considered genuine. The author's interest in fakes led to the concept of fake fakes. Disneyland showcases artificial birds that are operated by electric motors and produce caws and shrieks. The author suggests a scenario where real birds are swapped with the artificial ones, creating a cruel hoax that would shock the Disneyland officials.

Perhaps, we might even witness actual hippos and lions someday. There's an air of disquiet about the park artfully transitioning from a realm of fantasy to reality through ominous forces. Can you picture the Matterhorn morphing into a real snow-capped mountain? What if, by the divine intervention and intelligence of God, the whole place transformed suddenly into something unassailable? They would be forced to close it down for sure. In Plato's Timaeus, God doesn't create the universe in the way that Christian God does. Instead, He stumbles upon it one day when it is in total chaos. From there on, He embarks on His mission to turn chaos into order.

I am drawn to the idea which I have adapted to suit my own

intellectual needs: the concept that our universe initially lacked true reality, resembling an illusion as Hinduism suggests. In a display of love and kindness towards us, God is gradually and covertly transforming it into something authentic. Since we were initially oblivious to the illusionary nature of our world, we remain oblivious to this ongoing transformation. Technically speaking, this idea aligns with Gnosticism, a religion that encompassed Jews, Christians, and pagans for numerous centuries. I have faced accusations of embracing Gnostic notions, which may indeed be true.

Once, I was susceptible to persecution, but presently, I find some of their theories fascinating. While studying Gnosticism in the Britannica, I chanced upon a Gnostic manuscript titled The Unreal God and the Aspects of His Nonexistent Universe. This concept greatly entertained me as it appeared ridiculous to deliberate over something that doesn't exist and analyze its various dimensions. Nonetheless, it abruptly occurred to me that for more than a quarter-century now, my own writings have been centered around such non-existent matters. It appears there is considerable scope for expression when dealing with subjects devoid of existence.

My friend once penned a book named Snakes of Hawaii, which was subsequently published and sought after by numerous libraries. Interestingly, it's important to underscore that Hawaii does not actually harbor any snakes. Adding an unexpected twist, the book was entirely made up of blank pages. In science fiction literature, there's no assumption that the depicted universes truly exist; this is why it's categorized as 'fiction.' Readers are typically cautioned not to take everything they read at face value. This can be likened to Disney World visitors who comprehend that

characters such as Mr. Toad aren't real and that attractions like the Pirates ride operate with the help of motors, servo-assist devices, relays, and electronic wiring.

Even without intentional false information, it's intriguing to note that a substantial part of what we term "science fiction" includes elements of reality. It doesn't necessarily represent the absolute truth, but for example, the depiction of extraterrestrial beings invading from another galaxy in Close Encounters of the Third Kind does not correspond to an actual event. The makers may have intended this storyline for us to perceive it as real or not. However, our main concern here is not what the creators might think but its authenticity or absence thereof.

In the quest for an engaging narrative, a science fiction writer or creator may unintentionally uncover the truth. George Orwell underscored in his book 1984 that distorting language is a key mechanism to alter reality. In addition to this, controlling people's perceptions serves as another way to command their minds. If you can shape how individuals see the world, it will align their thinking with yours. Perception paves the way for comprehension.

How can you make others perceive the same reality that you do? Despite there being many different realities, images play a fundamental role in conveying them, such as through pictures. This is why the potential influence of TV on young minds is incredibly significant. By combining words and pictures, there exists a possibility for complete control over the viewer, especially when it comes to younger audiences. Watching TV can be likened to a form of sleep-learning, as an EEG study on individuals watching TV

reveals that after approximately 30 minutes, the brain enters a state of hypnoidal twilight, emitting alpha waves due to minimal eye movement.

Moreover, a substantial part of the information displayed is graphically represented, which is interpreted by the right hemisphere of our brain rather than the left where our conscious self resides. Current studies indicate that most of what we assimilate from television is absorbed at a subconscious level. We incorrectly assume that we consciously perceive everything we view. A majority of messages bypass our conscious awareness; after spending several hours watching TV, it becomes difficult to remember what was seen. This resembles how memory functions with dreams - they are not always dependable and tend to be reconstructed retrospectively.

The narrative underscores our unwitting participation in creating a fabricated illusion, which we have gladly accepted and consumed. We have inadvertently been instrumental to our own undoing. I admit, even as an accomplished fiction author, that there is doubt concerning the veracity of my writing and what parts can be deemed genuine. The same holds for the architects of audio-visual realms; they too are casualties of their creations just like us. This ambiguity presents a perilous circumstance.

The boundary between reality and fiction often blurs, a situation that could potentially have hazardous outcomes. This blending probably occurs unintentionally, thereby aggravating the issue. Implementing legal constraints—like mandating authors to tag their content akin to nutritional labels on food items—is impractical. It's unfeasible to compel writers to discern between truth and imagination when they themselves might be oblivious of the distinct differences. The disconcerting revelation of penning something in a supposed purely imaginative work,

only to later realize it indeed mirrors reality can be unsettling.

I require an illustration that I find difficult to comprehend. Possibly, you could formulate a hypothesis. In the year 1970, I penned down a fiction book titled Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said, with a character named Kathy in it - a young woman of nineteen who is wedded to Jack. At first glance, it appears Kathy has ties with lawbreakers. Nevertheless, as we progress through the novel and dig deeper into its plot, we discover she's actually working for law enforcement and maintains regular interaction with a police inspector. I always thought this character was completely imaginary.

In 1970, post completion of my book, I encountered a young lady of nineteen years named Kathy. She was romantically involved with a guy called Jack and also engaged in illicit drug trade. Over several months, I earnestly tried to persuade her to abandon this dangerous path due to the high risk of apprehension. One peculiar day when we were about to dine in a restaurant together, Kathy suddenly halted and revealed her association with an officer from the police department who was present inside; an individual known to me. These strange coincidences led me to question if I had some sort of psychic ability. However, the enigma intensified over the subsequent four years until 1974 when Doubleday released my novel. During a discussion with my Episcopal clergyman, I brought up an important scene at the conclusion of the novel featuring Felix Buckman encountering an unknown black man at a gas station during nighttime hours. To my surprise, as I expanded on this scenario

further, it seemed to increase unease in my priest.

At last he revealed that the depicted scene originates from the biblical Book of Acts. The encounter between the man and Philip in Acts has a striking resemblance to the black man in my novel, which Father Rasch, disturbed by the likeness, couldn't even find in his own Bible. He urged me to read Acts, assuring me that upon doing so, I would realize how closely my scene mirrors it. I complied and indeed confirmed that Father Rasch was accurate; my novel's scene was a clear retelling of the one found in Acts. Surprisingly, I had never read Acts before, which further deepened the mystery.

The character Felix in my novel shares the same name as the high Roman official who arrests and interrogates Saint Paul in Acts. Both characters hold positions of authority - Felix Buckman being a high-ranking police general and Felix in the Book of Acts being the final authority. There is a conversation in my novel that closely resembles a conversation between Felix and Paul. Intrigued, I decided to look further for any additional similarities. After consulting an index to the Bible, I searched for anyone named Jason mentioned in its contents.

The Bible's Book of Acts makes a solitary reference to an individual named Jason, which is interestingly also the name of a character in my book. This character in my story has a similar experience as he evades authorities and seeks refuge in another person's home, mirroring the Biblical Jason who shelters a runaway. These uncanny similarities hint at some enigmatic power that might be deriving enjoyment

from these correlations. My narrative also includes other key figures such as Felix and an unexpected meeting with an anonymous African-American man during a journey.

In the book of Acts, the disciple Philip performs a baptism on a black man, who leaves feeling joyful. In my novel, "Felix Buckman", Felix Buckman seeks solace and support from the black stranger after his sister's recent death, as he is struggling emotionally. The black man uplifts Buckman's spirits, and although he doesn't leave with the same level of joy as the man in Acts, at least his tears have ceased. Buckman had been flying home while crying over his sister's death, and felt the need to connect with someone, anyone, even a complete stranger. This encounter between two unfamiliar individuals on a journey causes a significant change in the life of one of them – a theme apparent both in my novel and in the biblical text.

A fascinating characteristic of the mysterious Spirit at work is that Felix, a name I used in my novel, means "happy" in Latin - something unknown to me when I wrote the book. A careful examination of my story reveals an unforeseen reinterpretation of several critical incidents from a specific biblical book where unknowingly, I used fitting names. The rationale for this remains ambiguous and stimulating. It's been four years since I became aware of this, sparking ongoing conjecture about a potential explanation. However, there's still doubt if I will ever reach a plausible hypothesis.

Contrary to my expectations, the enigma persisted unresolved. Several months ago, I embarked on a late-night journey to the mailbox intending to post

a letter and appreciate Saint Joseph's Church opposite my residential complex. During this expedition, I spotted an individual behaving rather dubiously near a stationary vehicle. It seemed as if he was either attempting theft or trying to fetch something from inside the car. Upon my return from the mailbox, he discreetly hid himself behind a tree trunk. Driven by intuition, I decided to confront him and asked "Is there something wrong?" He admitted that his car had run out of gas and he was penniless.

Unexpectedly, I found myself reaching into my pocket and giving him all of my cash even though we had never met before. In return, he extended his hand for a handshake and asked me where I lived so he could pay me back. It dawned on me once I got to my apartment that the money was effectively useless as there were no gas stations in close proximity. As a result, I opted to go back with my car to fetch him. In the trunk of his car lay a steel fuel tank which we carried along as we headed towards a 24/7 fuel station. We lingered next to each other like strangers as an employee filled our metal petrol container.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that the present circumstance was eerily similar to a chapter from my book written eight years ago. The 24-hour gas station appeared just as I had pictured it while writing that specific scene - the glaring white light and the attendant were exactly as I had conceived them. But there was an unanticipated revelation; the individual I was helping turned out to

be of African descent. We made our way back to his broken-down car with the fuel, shared handshakes, after which I headed back towards my apartment complex. Our paths never intersected again. He wasn't able to compensate me because I hadn't revealed which among many apartments was mine or given him my name.

I was profoundly disturbed by the incident. It felt as though I had perfectly recreated a scene from my own book, echoing the moment in the Acts when Philip comes across an African man on their journey. How could this possibly happen? Although my interpretation may not be completely correct, it's all I have to give. This is tied to our understanding of time. Here's my theory: Time doesn't hold a substantial concrete presence that we can understand or engage with directly. On the other hand, time might exist but its true essence might differ from how we perceive or conceptualize it.

I am unwavering in my conviction, always and now, that despite the observable alterations around us, there exists a constant and unvarying backdrop shaping our continuously evolving world. I refer to this unseen background as the era following Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, particularly aligning with the timeline depicted in the Book of Acts. This claim brings to mind Parmenides' philosophy about an everlasting, static truth beneath our ceaselessly changing environment. Nevertheless, I find myself questioning how this insight has been acquired considering that the real time span is roughly A.

D. 50, so why do we observe A. D. 1978? And if we truly reside in the Roman Empire, in somewhere like Syria, then why do we

witness the United States? In the Middle Ages, an interesting theory emerged, which I will now present to you as it is valuable. It suggests that the Evil One, Satan, acts as a counterfeit version of God. He produces fraudulent replicas of God's genuine creations and inserts them into the authentic creation. Could this peculiar theory help elucidate my experience? Should we believe that we are obscured, deceived, and it is not 1978 but rather A. D. 50... and Satan has constructed an artificial reality to weaken our faith in the second coming of Christ? I can imagine being evaluated by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist asks, "What year is it?" And I respond, "A. D. 50."

While conversing with the psychiatrist, when asked about my location, I assert that I am in Judaea, part of the ancient Roman Empire. When queried about the current leader, I mention Procurator Felix but also concede that his successor might be Procurator Festus who is renowned for confining Saint Paul. The disbelief of this mental health expert becomes evident as they subtly summon extra help. Upon being asked how I came across such knowledge, I answer somewhat irritably that it was revealed by the Holy Spirit. This results in me peering out from within a cushioned cell and comprehending its justification. Although each statement made during our conversation contains some truth, they are undeniably erroneous. Despite asserting to the contrary, I am wholly conscious that we exist in 1978 under President Jimmy Carter's leadership and my domicile is Santa Ana located in California within United States.

I am aware of the route between my apartment and

Disneyland, a detail that I cannot forget. Additionally, it is certain that Disneyland did not exist during Saint Paul's time. Therefore, if I apply rationality and reason, as well as other positive traits, I must concede that the existence of Disneyland (which I know exists) demonstrates that we are not residing in Judaea in A.D. 50. The notion of Saint Paul enjoying the spinning teacups while composing First Corinthians, as captured on Paris TV with a telephoto lens—such a scenario is impossible. Saint Paul would never visit Disneyland.

Disneyland, typically teeming with children, tourists and Soviet Union officials on vacation, is rarely linked to religious figures. Yet, surprisingly biblical motifs infiltrated my subconscious and emerged in my book. Intriguingly, I experienced an uncanny sense of familiarity as I relived a scenario in 1978 that I had originally detailed in 1970. The proposition I aim to assert is that one of my literary works seems to contain hints suggesting the existence of an alternate reality - a consistent one akin to theories put forth by Parmenides and Plato - hidden beneath our constantly evolving visible world. Even more fascinating is the possibility that this dimension may be accessible through unexpected means.

Alternatively, if a mysterious Spirit desires us to perceive a permanent other landscape, we can be connected with it. Despite the passing of time and thousands of years, the ancient world described in the Bible still exists and remains real, hidden beneath the contemporary world we see. This eternal existence is undeniable. Taking a risk, I will continue sharing the rest of this strange story since I have already come this far.

In February of 1974, Doubleday published my novel Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said. In the following week, I underwent the removal of two impacted wisdom teeth while under sodium pentathol anesthesia.

Throughout the day, I experienced severe pain which compelled my wife to contact our dental surgeon. The surgeon swiftly organiz