By Luis Yerovi Jr.

Introduction

The science of cosmology -- the study of the origin, structure and space-time relationships of the universe -- has recently caught my attention. First, I read in the New York Times a story about a group of scientists who postulate that the universe is finite (i.e. with definite borders) and most likely has the shape of a dodecahedron -- a complex pattern of twelve pentagonal shapes. When geometrically aligned into a sphere, the scientists explained, the dodecahedron forms a universe that resembles a soccer ball (I knew there was something cosmic going on with futbol!). Another report stated that the universe is experiencing a "cosmic jerk" or rapid expansion that could go on forever. This expansion is felt to be the result of so-called "dark energy"-- a mysterious and, as of yet, undetected force that Einstein had predicted 70 years ago. Dark energy has the opposite effect of gravity and will eventually rip all the stars, planets and atoms of this universe to bits.

Having read this, I couldn't help wonder what possibly could a universe shaped like a soccer ball, a "cosmic jerk" and "dark energy" mean to us ordinary humans? More presciently, do these cosmic phenomenon affect our stock portfolios?

Contemplating the nuances between an infinite and a finite universe, I got to thinking about evolution. Do the principles of evolution apply to the cosmic realm? If so, can this application teach us anything about our very down to earth human predicament? In this essay, a connection between the cosmos, our genes and our ideas will be offered using evolution-derived insights. Further, I will suggest that understanding this "connection" may enable us to attain a fuller comprehension of our human nature.

Origins

The problem of "Origins" has perplexed man ever since he was first capable of questioning creation. This existential angst evoked, in his conscious mind, a myriad of responses meant to reconcile his curiosity. Some of these responses were primal, while others were more elegantly constructed. One of man's earliest responses can be found in the creation myth, which is a narrative describing cultural ideas around Creation. These myths have been documented, in one form or another, in every human culture. Another response was religion, which co-opted the Creation myth, in an effort to use its tenants towards the centralizing of power in societies. The next response was captured by the philosophers, whose vehement arguments arose from the same combination of angst and desire which arguably produced the Bible. The scientists followed, proclaiming, to the chagrin of narcissistic philosophers and religious orthodoxy, that humans were not the center of the universe. Most recently, evolution emerged as an observational response to life's mysteries. Evolution suggested our origin from apes (and ultimately, from mold!) and questioned (along with Freud) our species' precious "free will."

Today, of all the Origin disciplines, religion is the most prominent in terms of mass influence and acceptance. Of the religions, the Desert religions or Judeo-Christianity and Islam, are the ones with the most impact (thanks, in part, to a fortuitous "symbiotic" relationship with technology). Evolution, on the other hand, has failed to make an indelible mark on "pop" human psyche, despite the fact that the theory is widely accepted and praised by intellectual and academic communities. When evolution has caught the attention of the public eye, its theories have not been adequately understood and applied (i.e. eugenics and free market capitalism).

The resulting lack of acceptance and ignorance are unfortunate. After all, evolution, when viewed in a certain light, can be a rather mystical and non-obtrusive way of explaining "Origins." Let me elaborate by starting at the beginning.

Natural Selection and Evolution

In the mid-nineteenth century, Charles Darwin formulated the theory of Evolution. Darwinian evolution is simply the change in the properties of a population over time. The process of change is governed by natural selection. Natural selection is the favoring of genes and their phenotypes (observable physical characteristics) that have a reproductive or survival advantage in a specific environment. As articulated, Darwin's theory was meant to apply to organic forms living in an open system (i.e. having an outside energy source which, in our case, is the sun).

Evolution, however, can be thought of in another way, which combines science and philosophy with cosmic mysticism.

First, from a philosophic standpoint -- Darwin's breakthrough, paradigm shifting theory, came to him through the disciplined act of "naturalist" observation. Since nothing in evolution can ever really be "proven," just observed, observation is evolution.

From a scientific perspective -- Applied more broadly, evolution is the non-static history of all information vectors (energy? mass? idea?) that exist in time-space . For evolution to occur, time-space must be in continuous flux. After all, if time-space was static, there would be no change, no history and, thus, no evolution. So, evolution is change.

Using cosmology -- The universe is thought to have begun with the so called "Big Bang," which was a spectacular explosion or expansion from an infinite point density. The remnants of this explosion gave rise to all the matter and energy in the universe. Of late, evidence suggests the possibility that our universe is only one of many possible universes -- what, collectively, form a multiverse. "Our" universe, according to this theory, is a product of cosmic "selection" within a cyclical and infinite process of birthing universes. Evolution, then, is infinite.

Combining the above we arrive at cosmic mysticism-- Cosmic evolution is infinite observable change. But what causes change? Ultimately, change or Natural selection depends on "chance" (i.e. why our universe's numerical fudge factors?, why the grandiose peacock feathers?). But, what is "chance?" To me, "chance" is quantum interactions (i.e. the uncertainty principle of subatomic particles). "Chance," more poetically, is the balancing act between zero and infinity, between no God and God, between to be or not to be, between love and fear.

Cosmic chance or serendipity allows for infinite flux and change -- two of the hallmarks of evolution. From chance, however, comes order. After all, God does not play dice with the universe (Einstein). But for "order" to "happen" from chance, what is needed is perspective or relativity or, simply, observation -- the last component of evolution. In the cosmic dance, this is where humans' Big Brains come in.