We are in the International Year of Quantum (IYQ). Can the conceptual turmoil in physics one hundred years ago tell us anything about doing science amidst the political turmoil we experience today?
Hi Karen, you don’t know me but off late you are my hero. Thank you for speaking about quantum social change. I came across similar wisdom through eastern non duality teachings and learning about quantum physics and was able to put them together in similar lines as you are describing.
2 months back I quit my big tech job and now work at the intersection of arts and climate science and your newsletter is extremely valuable to me to root myself into this area and think ahead. Please please keep writing, because in true social quantum spirit, your state is making a difference to my state (and many others) and your voice is powerful and it matters.
Dear Neha, Thank you for your kind words! It's inspiring to hear that you are working at the intersection of art and climate science. I think it's in those liminal spaces where change happens!
Karen, thank you for this inspiring post, I had no idea about the IYQ. I would love to hear further suggestions for thinkers in the qauntum social domain to follow! I love your "Conversations That Matter" idea.
IYQ is very exciting, indeed! Keep pushing to make it include quantum social science and I look forward to reading your conversations with other pioneers in the field.
Thinking about the political turmoil and repression has set me wondering – Is there any aspect of quantum behaviour that makes activity stronger when it encounters resistance? I'm hoping the current trend towards repression and injustice is so obviously bad and self-serving for the few that it will provoke a backlash and actually cause many to finally take a stand against it.
(And thanks for the inspiring postscript. This writer – i.e. me – needs to use her gift with words more...)
Hi Alison, That's a great question! Research on quantum decision-making shows that people can reverse their preferences, depending on the context, more so than with classical models of behavior. In practice, I interpret this to mean that everyone has the potential to change as the context changes. We influence each other through our intra-actions, so the more people that stand for justice, the more we influence the context and create space for others to change. I am also hoping that the current trend will turn quickly as more and more people take a stand.
I cannot advice on other writers, as this isn't my area of work. What would help me - and others I guess - is linking to videos / interviews with the authors you suggested. Or read about the essence of their work.
I'm not a conceptual thinker, but would like to understand what these writers have to say that I can apply in my life and work... maybe you could to some 'translations'?
Thanks Ria! I will add video links when I can. I'm always trying to translate this work so that I understand it better because I think the messages are important. But sometimes I have to read theoretical books two or three times, and I'm always interpreting them through my own lens. I'm thinking that "Conversations that Matter" may be an easier way to get to the essence of their work!
Thanks for speaking up and out about this, Karen – I really appreciate it. I came across this quote from the social activist Grace Lee Boggs just this morning and it fits nicely with your ‘quantum’ perspective: “Movements are born of critical connections rather than critical mass...”
Thanks Anne! That is a great quote -- I am guessing that a critical mass of critical connections is needed to address today's polycrisis. This would mean that a small number of people can create a global movement. A very quantum perspective!
Hi Karen, you don’t know me but off late you are my hero. Thank you for speaking about quantum social change. I came across similar wisdom through eastern non duality teachings and learning about quantum physics and was able to put them together in similar lines as you are describing.
2 months back I quit my big tech job and now work at the intersection of arts and climate science and your newsletter is extremely valuable to me to root myself into this area and think ahead. Please please keep writing, because in true social quantum spirit, your state is making a difference to my state (and many others) and your voice is powerful and it matters.
I look forward to reading your newsletters!
Dear Neha, Thank you for your kind words! It's inspiring to hear that you are working at the intersection of art and climate science. I think it's in those liminal spaces where change happens!
Karen, thank you for this inspiring post, I had no idea about the IYQ. I would love to hear further suggestions for thinkers in the qauntum social domain to follow! I love your "Conversations That Matter" idea.
Thanks -- I would love to have a conversation with you!
IYQ is very exciting, indeed! Keep pushing to make it include quantum social science and I look forward to reading your conversations with other pioneers in the field.
Thinking about the political turmoil and repression has set me wondering – Is there any aspect of quantum behaviour that makes activity stronger when it encounters resistance? I'm hoping the current trend towards repression and injustice is so obviously bad and self-serving for the few that it will provoke a backlash and actually cause many to finally take a stand against it.
(And thanks for the inspiring postscript. This writer – i.e. me – needs to use her gift with words more...)
Hi Alison, That's a great question! Research on quantum decision-making shows that people can reverse their preferences, depending on the context, more so than with classical models of behavior. In practice, I interpret this to mean that everyone has the potential to change as the context changes. We influence each other through our intra-actions, so the more people that stand for justice, the more we influence the context and create space for others to change. I am also hoping that the current trend will turn quickly as more and more people take a stand.
This could matter, Karen: https://substack.com/home/post/p-157290075
Thanks for sharing that -- I also heard about the DEI Boycott Plan for Friday the 28th. I will support it from Norway!
Thanks for writing!
I cannot advice on other writers, as this isn't my area of work. What would help me - and others I guess - is linking to videos / interviews with the authors you suggested. Or read about the essence of their work.
I'm not a conceptual thinker, but would like to understand what these writers have to say that I can apply in my life and work... maybe you could to some 'translations'?
Thanks Ria! I will add video links when I can. I'm always trying to translate this work so that I understand it better because I think the messages are important. But sometimes I have to read theoretical books two or three times, and I'm always interpreting them through my own lens. I'm thinking that "Conversations that Matter" may be an easier way to get to the essence of their work!
Thanks for speaking up and out about this, Karen – I really appreciate it. I came across this quote from the social activist Grace Lee Boggs just this morning and it fits nicely with your ‘quantum’ perspective: “Movements are born of critical connections rather than critical mass...”
Thanks Anne! That is a great quote -- I am guessing that a critical mass of critical connections is needed to address today's polycrisis. This would mean that a small number of people can create a global movement. A very quantum perspective!
Yes please keep writing and sharing your thoughts - they inspire us to also take a stand and voice our concerns
Thanks, Cindy! This is a critical time for all people to take a stand to support an equitable and thriving world.
Totally agree - we need to move from dumbstruck to taking action