"Knowing less than nothing"

The lack of knowledge is something we can understand, but we have a hard time grasping the concept of negative knowledge. How can anyone know less than nothing? But negative knowledge does exist in the world of quantum physics.

Three researchers, Dr. Michal Horodecki (University of Gdansk), Dr. Jonathan Oppenheim (Cambridge University), and Dr. Andreas Winter (Bristol University) discovered this amazing fact, publishing their work in the August edition of the journal Nature.

What could negative knowledge possibly mean? "If I tell it to you, you will know less," explained Dr. Winter.

In the quantum world, knowledge behaves quite differently than it does in our world, or so it seems. As stated in the Heisenberg Uncertainty principal (named after its creator Werner Heisenberg), there are things in the quantum world that we cannot know, such as both the position and the momentum of a quantum particle. So, in the quantum world it is also possible to know more than everything, since in quantum entanglement, each particle knows BOTH the position and momentum of its paired particle. To counter this ‘knowing more than everything’, negative knowledge is used to ‘balance’ the equation. Dr. Horodecki also points out, "We can quantify information in terms of how much stuff I need to send you before you get to know something. In the case of negative quantum information, you can get to know something without me sending you any quantum particles. In fact, you will gain the potential to learn more quantum information in the future." No wonder Einstein called this ‘spooky science’.

This is all part of the quantum information theory that is lending itself to the fields of quantum teleportation and quantum computing. In quantum computing, the ‘bits’ in traditional computers are replaced by quantum ‘qubits’ which are quantum particles like electrons or atoms. While classical bits can only be in the state 0 or 1, qubits can be both in the 0 or 1 state at the same time. Let’s see Microsoft handle that!

Negative knowledge brings a new meaning to the phrase, “You don’t know nothin’!”

In short, it IS possible to know something without being told. Just as it is to NOT know something after it's been learned.

As we inevitably grow older, many of us will not be as mentally sharp as we once were.

However, a study conducted by Dennis Foth, a professor in the University of Alberta's Faculty of Extension, points out that it may be possible to reverse that decline in mental acuteness.

Foth points out that 10 percent of the population over 65 suffers from pathological loss of brain function due to diseases such as Alzheimer's, but that the remaining 90 percent of the population need not resign themselves to this downward decline.

"A lifetime of good mental habits pays off," Foth said. "People who are curious at a young age are more likely to be mentally active and stay active as they age. And we found it's never too late to start. With a little effort, even people in their 70’s and 80’s can see dramatic improvements in their cognitive skills."

A: Well, Quantum physics goes a long way towards 'proving' we have control over the Universe around us. In the article on Particle Duality, Quantum physics shows that all matter has a duality that is exhibited at the quantum level. Sometimes it behaves as a wave, sometimes as a particle. It is this dual nature, the ability to act as both a wave and as a particle, which results in some truly amazing implications. The wave aspect of matter is not the wave one would normally associate with water, for instance, but with the possibility of the particle's existence.

So if we take a photon (Mr. Photon’s favorite), it is not until we observe it that it actually behaves as a particle. Now this observation is NOT something that relates to a mechanical observation. If we ‘observe’ the photon with measuring devices, it will still behave as a wave of probability. It is not until we consciously observe either the photon or the results of the mechanical measurements, that this probability wave (or super position, as it’s often referred to) collapses into a particle. Thus, until we consciously observe matter, it does not exist as anything but a distribution of probability. It is the act of observation via a sentient being (you) that results in the collapse of the probability wave into a particle.

Suffice it to say that we are truly different than a mere biological machine recording and reacting to the world, for we bring an added element that directly affects the Quantum world (the basis of our macroscopic world) consciousness. So by choosing what to observe in our Universe, we force the waves of probability to collapse into defined particles. In essence, we create our reality. And we are limited only in our ability to visualize our world.

Have a question of your own? Ask Mr. Photon!

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I’ve been working with the Simpleology program for the past month or so, and I am amazed at how much I get done when I follow its principles. This program is also showing me how to optimize my time and my energy, by paying close attention to things that cause them to increase or to decrease. Then I commit to myself to do more of the things that increase my time and energy, and to do less of those that decrease them. Sounds simple, right? It is!

Another great benefit from the Simpleology program is how my mind has become far less cluttered with unnecessary thoughts. As I’m sure happens with many of us, I was prone to frequent inane thoughts about all the things I had to get done at some point in the future. I had lists all over the place, in my computer and in notebooks, and even on Post-it notes stuck to my monitor. But for some reason, I wasn’t as effective as I could be, either at getting them done or at getting them out of my mind. Simpleology has helped me put them into a “Mental Lock Box” where I know they’ll be safe until it’s time to deal with them. And the “Dream Catcher” prompts me to scribble down any ideas or To-Do’s that come to me throughout the day, while I’m busy focusing on another task. This way nothing gets forgotten, and I remain focused on the task at hand rather than distracted by something else.

Try Simpleology for one week. See for yourself how big a difference it can make in reaching your goals. I know it’s helping me, and what a great price! Free!

The Power of Now:
A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

This book helped me tremendously by showing me how important it is to live in the moment, as well as simple techniques for learning how to do that. It also helped me vanquish my ego and control-freaking to its appropriate place, as subordinate to my true self or my spirit. Now I know how to find peace within myself, in every moment, regardless of my life situation.

If you are ready for this book’s message, you will know it. I think you will find a treasure trove of useful information on how to be at peace now and in every moment, regardless of what else is going on in your life.

Jaap Van Etten, PhD - Energy Healer

One of the most powerful people I’ve encountered thus far on my journey is energy healer Jaap Van Etten. He has helped me to recover vast amounts of energy that I had lost as a child.

Through a process called “soul retrieval”, he has helped me regain the power that I had given away in an attempt at self defense at a young age. Since working with him, I have experienced a tremendous boost in my energy and in healing my personal power. I feel far more centered and whole, and much clearer about who I really am. Jaap scanned my energy field with amazing accuracy, and immediately pinpointed my problem areas (including things I had never told him about). He was able to see that I had a significantly weakened energy system, and even after our very first session I felt a huge improvement. And it has continued to grow each time we have a session.

See what others have to say about their incredible sessions with Jaap here.

Check out what Mr. Photon had to say about Energy fields.

For the Fun of it

Remember, the more you learn, the less room there is in your mind for fear!