According to quantum physics, a particle vibrating from your soundbox when you speak can affect a molecule inside a star at the edge of the universe. Instantly.
This is known as quantum entanglement.
The greatest illusion of the universe is that of separation.
Never say your voice carries no weight.
The Science of Quantum Entanglement
At its core, quantum entanglement is one of the most mind-bending concepts in physics. It describes a scenario where two or more particles become so deeply correlated that the state of one particle instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This property challenges our classical understanding of how information propagates through space.
The origins of entanglement can be traced back to a famous paper published in 1935 by Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen—the EPR paper. They argued that the principles of quantum mechanics suggested the possibility of entangled particles, but this violated the classical idea of “locality”—the notion that an object can only be influenced by its immediate surroundings. According to Einstein, this “spooky action at a distance” implied that quantum mechanics might be incomplete.
However, in 1964 physicist John Bell formulated what is now known as Bell’s theorem. He demonstrated that if particles had hidden properties, as Einstein believed, then the correlations between entangled particles would be constrained by specific limits. Experimental tests, conducted by John Clauser, Alain Aspect, and Anton Zeilinger, consistently violated these limits, confirming that entanglement is a real phenomenon.
This breakthrough has led to practical applications such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography. Quantum computers, which leverage entangled qubits (quantum bits), have the potential to perform certain types of calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. Meanwhile, quantum cryptography uses entanglement to create secure communication channels, theoretically immune to eavesdropping.
One way to conceptualise entanglement is through the lens of information rather than physical influence. Quantum mechanics doesn’t dictate a definitive description of physical reality; instead, it offers probabilistic predictions about the outcomes of measurements. This information-centric perspective helps clarify that this is not a magical connection; it is a consequence of the mathematical principles governing quantum systems and their informational relationships.
The Illusion Separation
Quantum entanglement challenges one of the greatest illusions we live by: the illusion of separation. Classical physics and everyday experiences condition us to see ourselves as isolated beings, separate from one another and the vast universe. However, since quantum physics suggests that connection is possible across incomprehensible distances, nothing is necessarily isolated.
This interconnectedness is not just a theoretical abstraction—it has profound implications for how we perceive our influence in the world. When you speak, act, or even think, you are not operating in a vacuum. Your vibrations, both literal and metaphorical, ripple through the cosmos.
Your Voice Matters
Do not say your voice carries no weight. Just as entangled particles influence each other across unimaginable distances, your actions, words, and intentions have consequences far beyond your immediate surroundings.
When you speak up for justice, show kindness, or pursue your passions with unwavering determination, those vibrations extend beyond what you can see or measure. You may not witness the distant star shifting in response, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
In a world that often tries to diminish individual impact, quantum entanglement offers a compelling reminder: everything matters. Your voice, your presence, and your choices are part of an intricate, interconnected web of existence.
Let this be your reminder: speak boldly, act courageously, and live intentionally. Just as entangled particles defy the limits of space and time, so too can your influence transcend boundaries.
The universe is listening—and responding. The next time you doubt the significance of your voice, remember the truth revealed by quantum entanglement: nothing is ever truly separate. Your voice, no matter how small it may seem, carries the power to resonate across the cosmos.