GEULA DROPS · ESSAY 04

How Big is G‑d

Scale, when the system is the substrate. Why human intuitions about "size" stop applying.

Picture yourself on the brink of the universe, peering into the universe we see of stars, galaxies, and enigmas unfolding before you. The minds of scientists, philosophers, and theologians have long wrestled with the structure of our existence, leading to an intriguing hypothesis: could our universe, with all its intricacies and splendor, resemble a massive computer simulation?

This theory proposes that the universe is pixelated at its very core, not with digital pixels, but with the fundamental elements of space and time. Enter the Planck length, the smallest possible unit of space, below which space itself becomes undefined. Time, too, is broken down into Planck seconds, the shortest measure of time, setting the tempo of the cosmos.

Consider the immense number of calculations required to simulate the interactions within this pixelated universe. Each Planck unit of space interacts with every other, producing a figure very large. These calculations, occurring every Planck second, would overwhelm any conventional understanding of computation. Yet, in this scenario, all these operations across particles and galaxies, are computed in real-time.

Who, or what, could possibly conduct such a vast simulation? This is where we introduce the concept of the Programmer — the Creator, whose capacity is beyond the system, to whom these astronomical calculations are effortless. In this metaphor, the universe's "CPU," responsible for simulating all of existence, operates as if under no strain at all. This isn't just any supercomputer but a symbol for the infinite Creator, whose capacity is beyond the system.

This idea leads us to a deep insight: if the Creator can effortlessly manage the complexities of the entire universe, then surely, the details of our individual lives are within their grasp. Just as the Programmer comprehends the forces on every atom, G-d is attuned to each of us, hearing our prayers and intimately involved in our lives' narratives.

So, how vast is G-d? Limitless. Beyond our most powerful telescopes, beyond the most advanced theories, yet personally involved, engaging with each of us with a precision that reflects the universe's meticulous order.