Changing Constants

The one thing I remember from trigonometry is that to solve a proof, you need to have a certain number of “givens” in order to uncover the unknown variable. Basic scientific formulas also rest on givens or constants. Without these constants, there are too many variables to ascertain useful data.

For example, since 1972 the speed of light (c) has been a fixed value of 299,792.458 ± 0.001 #2 kilometers per second and since 1970 the universal gravitational constant (G) is valued between 6.669 to 6.674.

Gravity and light—two basic components of our world—have their own values as defined by mankind. But as theoretical biologist Rupert Sheldrake points out in his adventurous book, Seven Experiments That Could Change the World, even these two nonchanging constants have changed and will continue to change.

We have a lot of assumptions, don’t we? We assume certain people will act a certain way in certain situations. We assume we know what the other person is saying. We assume the other understands what we are saying. But as we know, our assumptions are often wrong.

Innovative thinkers challenge assumptions continuously. They ask, What if it didn’t have to be this way? Their answers often transform what we think we know and how we live.

I’m not suggesting that we eliminate assumptions; we need them. Without implied constants we would be in chaos, afraid to cross the street. Every game has its rules.

I am suggesting all assumptions should be held provisionally. A degree of adaptability and flexibility serves us well:

• Arguments cease  to ensue because we no longer hold strong emotionally charged opinions about things we don’t really need to hold strong opinions about.
• New ideas present themselves continually because we now have a mindset wired for exploring them.
• We are less likely to get stuck; if something isn’t working, we try something else and continue this process until we build positive momentum.

The only boundaries you have are those you inflict upon yourself. Be flexible with your rules and assumptions. Question everything. Test it out for yourself. You are bound by nothing.

Related posts:

1. Expand Your Perspective