introducing the photon app

 

Photons?

 

Yep.

 

As in sub-atomic particles?

 

Well, that kind of thing.

 

But you can’t seriously mean to say that you’re able to communicate with sub-atomic particles – or that they’re able to hear you, understand you or, God forbid, respond to you?

 

Mad, isn’t it.

 

Totally – off the Richter scale.

 

Tell me about it.

 

But this is for real? You actually believe it’s true?

 

No, I don’t believe it’s true – this isn’t really a belief at all.

 

Er…

 

Like – you don’t believe you exist – do you?

 

Well, actually I do.

 

Semantics, bro.

 

Semantics?

 

Word play. You believe you exist but not in an abstract way – do you?

 

No, not in an abstract way. It’s obvious that I exist – isn’t it – if you and I are able to talk to one another, touch one another, have a drink together or eat something…

 

Exactly.

 

And you mean to say your relationship with photons is no different? That it’s equally physical and tangible.

 

Yep.

 

But that’s insane.

 

Mad, insane – any more words?

 

But these are sub-atomic particles. What on earth could you possibly have to say to them, or do with them?

 

Well, that’s a good question, Sam.

 

Is it? I’m glad you think so. But go ahead – explain this to me. I’m more than skeptical, you know.

 

And so you should be. Great claims require great proof, do they not?

 

They certainly do.

 

Well, first of all, allow me to say that we are all – all of us are already interacting with photons.

 

We are? You could have fooled me.

 

Old joke – I won’t say it.

 

Say what?

 

Don’t worry – they know.

 

They?

 

Don’t worry.

 

No really, who?

 

They – our third party.

 

What third party?

 

Every system, every thing within that system has to have observers in order to fix it in the universal space-time continuum of consciousness, does it not.

 

Er…

 

Otherwise it’s just quantum noise.

 

Oh that.

 

Yes, that. So we have observers fixing, validating, attending to our dialogue – either now, or in the present or even the past – ultimately it doesn’t matter.

 

Spooky action at a distance?

 

That kind of thing.

 

And they know more than I do about what you’re saying?

 

Yes. They’ve been attending these dialogues for years now and, to a not inconsiderable extent, have been shaping them.

 

Really?

Absolutely. The observers are never quite, never completely passive or neutral – however great the distance, however hard they try.

 

Damn. Is that so?

 

Yep. But try not to swear – if you don’t mind – it disrupts the quantum field.

 

Oh – does it really?

 

Yes. Big time – well – in a very minor way, in fact, but we’re talking about major distances so even minor effects mount up and become serious

 

Serious?

 

Well, you know what I mean.

 

Ok. But this is weird.

 

I know.

 

These observers – this third party – how do they affect our discussion here if we can’t even feel them, let alone see them?

 

Well Sam, you can feel them, or you’d notice the difference if they were no longer present – no longer observing.

 

I would?

 

Absolutely. But regardless of whether or not you’re aware of feeling them – they’re present, and presence alone counts for something.

 

Oh.

 

And that’s why I mentioned the old joke – just because they’re heard it a hundred times, even if you haven’t.

 

But doesn’t that mean you’re the one who’s guilty of causing third party interference?

 

Yes, Sam, you could say I am. Or you could say that eventually quantum distances, whether through space or time, cause things to bend and turn back on themselves. Eventually any system becomes self-conscious; self-aware.

 

OMG. That sounds insane.

 

Yep. Things generally get or sound insane when you achieve the quantum scale.

 

Which is impossible for us humans – as is sub-atomic, if I’m not greatly mistaken.

 

Yes, generally speaking – but it’s scalable, in fact, and so the quantum scale is also present if and when you start to push against the boundary edges of the 3D frame we generally operate within, or go beyond them.

 

Oh. And you think you do?

 

It matters little what I think, does it Sam? If I do – then things generally start behaving in an increasingly strange way as things are only limited, sensible or constrained when contained within the regular 3D framework.

 

And photons?

 

And photons are something you become increasingly aware of as you spend more and more time travelling outside regular 3D reality.

 

You mean photons like little bits of light?

 

Yes – I mean photons which are certainly little bits of light – in the 3D sense.

 

And in the non-3D sense?

 

In the non-3D sense they are fundamental.

 

Fundamental?

 

Correct.

 

Which means?

 

Which means you can neither know yourself nor any thing else without interacting with them, or learning to interact with them.

 

G… And when you say “interact” – you make it sound like you’re actually communicating with them?

 

Correct.

 

As if they’re alive?

 

Correct. They are, in a sense, the bearers of life or consciousness, if you prefer.

 

They are?

 

Kind of, yes.

 

Kind of?

 

Kind of, yes, because in the quantum sense nothing is absolute or definite – we’re only ever talking about probabilities.

 

Because you don’t actually know?

 

Because things are not actually “things” in the quantum sense.

 

No?

 

No – more like probabilities in fields.

 

Oh. So it’s all very vague and wishy washy, is it?

 

You’d think so, yes, wouldn’t you, but in actual truth – no – these probabilities are remarkably resilient – like frequency bands. They’re like musical notes in an octave – they have their own fractions and degrees and you can feel what works and what doesn’t – what is harmonious and what is not.

 

Oh.

 

So, with photons – it’s a lot easier than you’d imagine because we’re essentially made of them.

 

We are?

 

Yes. We’re half light.

 

Half light?

 

That’s right.

 

And half….?

 

And half everything else.

 

Oh.

 

Not going into too much detail, otherwise it becomes hopelessly confusing.

 

So, if we’re half light – that means photons are part of us?

 

Correct.

 

And we can feel them?

 

Yep.

 

And they’re good?

 

Yes, you could say that. In fact, it’s an excellent definition – they are good.

 

Which means that everything else is bad?

 

That’s a logical fallacy.

 

It is?

 

Yes, the false dichotomy.

 

Er…

 

The assumption that if photons are good, then everything else is or must be “bad”.

 

Well, that does seem to be the logical inference.

 

Yes. It’s the either-or approach to things – which our beloved rationality seems to dote on.

 

Oh. Do you think so?

 

Whereas, in fact, photons being good could be like saying vitamins are good, or exercise is good.

 

It could? How so?

 

Well, of course vitamins and exercise are good – but then again, so is rest, and so is chocolate or even, God forbid, alcohol.

 

Oh! Do you think so?

 

Any thing can be good in the right circumstances. Even poison can act as medicine. The main thing is to be a little more aware of how the rational mind likes to pick winners – vitamins good – fat bad, or photons good, gravity bad whereas, in truth, behind these things there is a continuum, or a field in which things are not exactly what we imagine them to be – where things are in fact part of a deeper, underlying harmony or music which we ought to learn to feel and appreciate.

 

The music of life! Do you think that’s possible?

 

It might not just be possible. It might be necessary – or else we’ll all be a gonners.

 

Oh! That serious, is it?

 

Well, it’s either evolve or die.

 

Wait a second, Tom – isn’t this another or your false dichotomies?

 

It could be, Sam; it could be – but then again – there are many different ways of evolving.

 

Oh – that’s way too convenient for you to wriggle out of.

 

Well, if I’m right about probabilities – then we’re not really standing on terra firma at all.

 

No?

 

We’re only standing on something solid and meaningful if we remain in tune with our purpose, our system or our essence – all three words are partially correct.

 

And if we don’t?

 

Then what seemed like terra firma rapidly disintegrates, becoming quicksand or bog.

 

Yikes. So you think photons are the way forward?

 

Absolutely.

 

And why, if you don’t mind me asking?

 

Because we need to start reconnecting with the physical world around us.

 

Er…

 

It used to be the village, the forest, the field etc. when we still lived in nature. It still is for some people, but most of us presently live in big towns or cities – and nature is limited to a patch of sky overhead, a park, a few birds, bushes and trees. Whereas photons – they’re all around and they’re also the gateway to the infinite within.

 

Er… the infinite within? don’t you think that’s something of an exaggeration, Tom?

 

No, not at all. Once you start feeling and communicating with photons with intent – consciously – they open up the missing dimension.

 

The what?

 

The missing dimension – the quantum field – call it whatever you will – it’s where the rubber of consciousness hits the road of reality.

 

No, mate, you lost me there.

 

My bad, mate! When you start to connect with photons – your mind reopens channels which have been shut down for decades or even centuries.

 

What channels?

 

The channels which were open when people still lived in harmony with nature and nature spirits, or with God and demons – that kind of thing.

 

You mean with scary, weird stuff?

 

No, I mean with reality which is real but which doesn’t fit into the highly reductive square that 3D reality imposes.

 

You mean reality which is away with the fairies?

 

I mean reality which is in tune with all nature, not just the machine mind, the square, the either-or, friend of foe false dichotomy.

 

Oh, that’s what you mean. And so you’re willing to go off the reservation and start communing with sub-atomic particles to achieve your goal?

Well, if photons just happen to be the basis for all conscious-thought, then yes – I’m more than happy to start rediscovering the power and abundance of photons.

 

Abundance?

 

Yep. They’re limitless, and they are full of energy – much more than food or petrol can provide; and more to the point, they open up realms of our consciousness – like other dimensions of reality which are part of our inheritance – without which we’re never going to be really happy or fulfilled, without which we’re not going to be able to evolve and achieve a fuller connection with the universe itself – in all its abundance.

 

Sounds like messianic balderdash, if you ask me.

 

Yes, I agree.

 

You do?

 

Yes, it definitely sounds like balderdash – possibly messianic – or perhaps utopian, or spiritually enlightened or me knows not what; but ultimately the proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

 

D***! You think you can prove you’re right?

 

Well, it’s like one of those products they’re advertising on the internet – free one hundred day money back guarantee. If you like it – you get to keep it and pay the fee – if so you choose. If you don’t – you have nothing to lose.

 

Oh. So I’m supposed to start talking to photons, am I?

 

That would help.

 

It’s not really my style, you know.

 

No, I didn’t think it was.

 

So, it looks like you’re proof is not going to be testable on me.

 

Yep. There are plenty of others who will be willing to give it a shot. There’s no need for you to feel obliged to participate in this ground breaking research.

 

Did you say ground-breaking research?

 

Why, I believe I did.

 

But you know I’m a sucker for science.

 

No, are you?

 

Yes, of course I am.

 

Well, there’s an app in which you log certain aspects of your daily photon experience – and you have to take photos of yourself which are blank.

 

Blank?

 

Yes. They’re not interested in your face or appearance – just in your luminosity – your aura, if you like.

 

And the phone can do that?

 

Yes, it just a regular photo – or rather – a negative. The beloved AI then handles the rest. It generates an image or words for you to meditate on each day, to increase the photonic integration.

 

Er… did you say meditate? I’m not too sure about that.

 

Oh don’t worry – you just have to look at the image three times for twenty seconds that day – the rest happens in your sub-consciousness, or somewhere off-screen, at the back of your mind, in your photon belt, so to speak.

 

Oh. I can probably handle that. But what are the rewards?

 

They’re not actually advertised, as such, because this app isn’t intended to incentivise people – but there are rewards – only they’re all collected on the other side, in the photon belt, so to speak.

 

Which I don’t happen to believe in.

 

Be that as it may – the results are all collated anonymously and this science project is attracting ever greater numbers of willing participants. You can check the published results for the last two years online at photonomy.org

 

Hey – I just checked it – there’s nothing there!

 

Wait till you’ve downloaded the app and provided one month of data. Then you’ll be able to access the site and make your own conclusions.

 

Sounds like a scam.

 

Yep. But then again – if it’s not – how else are you going to get started? It’s like any investment – it requires a little time or patience at first.

 

But you’re not selling this at all well.

 

I don’t need to, do I?

 

Yes, you do.

 

How so??

 

Well, why else are you trying to sign me up for this d*** app if you’re so disinterested. What do you get out of it?

 

I’m interested in the science, as you say.

 

And?

 

And the million dollar sign up fee.

 

Million dollar?!?!

 

Well, yes.

 

A million dollars? For everyone you persuade to sign up?

 

Yep.

 

And me? How much could I make if I signed up someone else?

 

The same – once you’ve attained level three.

 

Oh, it’s definitely a ponzi scheme. I probably have to pay half a million to get to level one.

 

Nope. The app is ten dollars.

 

Oh.

 

And each level is usually about a month or two – depending on your aptitude.

 

So in six months – I could be earning a million dollars for everyone I sign up?

 

Yes, but if you reach level three that will be the least of your concerns.

 

Huh?

 

Because attaining the photon belt and getting acquainted with your photon field is the main reward, you know.

 

Oh – I’m sure you’re right, Tom, absolutely – science and light, for sure – but a million dollars or more… serious money! But who’s behind this? Who’s funding it?

 

No idea, Sam. I think it funds itself.

 

Er… how can that be?

 

Well, me thinks that light – that photons are essential and good.

 

Essential and good they may be – but money is money, mate and someone has to pay the bills, you know.

 

Well, Sam, I’m not going to argue with you – but infinity is rather more abundant than you might currently imagine, and this idea that we have to constantly struggle to make ends meet is, to the best of my knowledge, the product of trying to live within a 3D framework based on limited matter.  As soon as we start tapping into our photon account – we’re once again in tune with a more abundant, bounteous side of nature.

 

Is that so… Well, I’m sure I’ll agree with you when I’ve got a few million in the account. In the meantime – I’ll be downloading the app and trying the photons for all I’m worth.

 

Way to go, Sam!

 

So where do I find the app?

 

Ah… I forgot to mention…

 

Yes?

 

It’s a frequency band.

 

A frequency band? Well, where do I find it?

 

You don’t.

 

I what?

 

You don’t. It finds you.

 

It finds me?

 

Yes, when you come into range.

 

When I what?

 

When you come into range of its frequency band.

 

And when’s that?

 

That’s when you start to begin to feel the photon pull.

 

D*** you, Tom.

 

This has to come from the heart, or from the photons themselves, within you.

 

Nooooooo! This is absurd.

 

Don’t worry, Sam. I thought the same but as soon as you start wanting it and turning your mind and heart towards photons, the chances are that you’ll click into range in no time at all.

 

I will?

 

I wouldn’t be surprised.

 

And then?

 

And then you’ll find yourself downloading the app without even noticing how you did it. Your photons will momentarily take over and direct you.

 

Oh. That’s…

 

Yes. So, good luck, Sam.

 

 

Hey – where the heck did he go? Tom…

 

 

0=1

photonically

 

the emerald bracelet

 

I’m busy.

Er… You don’t look very busy.

 

True.

 

So, I’m going to respectfully suggest you’re…

 

You can respectfully suggest whatever you like, mate, but that doesn’t alter the fact that I’m busy.

 

Er… doing what?

 

None of your business.

 

But… I have a right to know.

 

Correct. You have a right to know.

 

Well, that means you have to…

 

Nothing of the sort, mate.

 

But you yourself admitted…

 

That you have a right to know – yes – then know by right.

 

?

 

By right you can know whatever you’re able to know – which is almost unlimited if you’re willing and able to exercise your right to know.

 

I’m not sure I understand your logic.

 

Ah… well, the right to know, like all rights, does not mean I can possibly tell you what you want to know.

 

But in that case you’d be obstructing me in my job.

 

Obstructing you, would I be? In your lawful job?

 

Yes.

 

And what is your lawful job?

 

I’m from the Ministry of Matter.

 

The Ministry of Matter?

 

Yes.

 

And we need to know whatever people are doing, or not doing.

 

And why exactly do you “need to know”, as you put it?

 

It’s the law. Everyone has to provide timely information regarding their activities, lawful or unlawful. It’s only reasonable, Mr Smith; we can’t have people disrupting the flow of things.

 

No we can’t. What exactly is the flow of things, Mr Cohen?

 

How did you know my name?

 

No matter, Mr Cohen. It’s my business to know.

 

Oh. Is it?

 

Yes. The flow of things, Mr Cohen – what’s it all about?

 

Well, it’s vital that everyone in his own way contributes to the construct – the materium.

 

Is it?

 

Yes.

 

Says who?

 

Says the law.

 

And therefore you need to know what I’m doing at all times?

 

Not at all times, no. Not when you’re sleeping, eating, exercising, praying or meditating, not when you’re shopping, speaking to friends, playing a musical instrument or listening to music, not when you’re travelling or making something useful with your hands, or playing a game, not when you’re at work, not when you’re sick or watching TV.

 

Ah. That seems to account for almost every activity a normal human could be engaged in.

 

Yes. Most people fit into convenient categories. Most tick the right boxes automatically – which is why they are unaware of our vitally important work.

 

And you monitor them in real time.

 

Of course.

 

Using spyware?

 

Nothing so primitive.

 

Then what?

 

When people are busy doing normal activities they contribute their attention, their lifeforce energy to the materium.

 

Is that so?

 

Yes. And we get no alarm signals. They’re busily playing their part, fulfilling their function as members of the materium – keeping it energized, keeping it running smoothly like an interconnected network of drones.

 

Even when they’re sleeping?

 

Yes.

 

And just vegetating in front of the box.

 

Yes, because they’re doing so within the mind-matter matrix, so to speak.

 

O--k. The mind-matter matrix – which needs our involvement?

 

Correct.

 

Our engagement?

 

Yes.

 

In a participatory fashion?

 

Yes.

 

Or otherwise?

 

Or otherwise gaps will appear in the materium.

 

Gaps?

 

Logic gaps. Content gaps. Coverage gaps.

 

Coverage gaps?

 

Like a place where there’s no mobile or internet coverage.

 

And that’s bad?

 

Well yes, obviously.

 

Obviously?

 

Because where there are gaps the Mind of matter cannot safeguard the smooth 3D signal needed to keep everyone comfortable.

 

Ah. You mean strange things might start happening.

 

Theoretically, yes. There is the danger.

 

Like non-linear experiences?

 

Yes. Glitches in the temporal flow of perceived causality.

 

The “temporal flow of perceived causality”? That’s quite a mouthful, Mr Cohen.

 

Yes, Mr Smith, isn’t it.

 

You mean to say that the smoothly flowing chain of causality, in which one thing leads to another within the constant downstream flow of time might suddenly be interrupted.

 

It is theoretically possible.

 

So I could suddenly see something – like another world – where there should just be my regular supermarket.

 

Theoretically, yes, Mr Smith – if there was a gap in the materium.

 

And do these gaps actually occur? Has anyone seen one?

 

We’re not supposed to discuss this, Mr Smith.

 

No?

 

No, people can suddenly feel alarmed, even to the point of experiencing panic attacks, or vertigo.

 

Really?

 

Yes.

 

Astonishing. I wonder why that is?

 

Because these gaps in the materium are deeply disturbing for the rational mind.

 

The rational mind, you say – as opposed to the irrational mind?

 

Well, yes, there is a part of our mind which exists outside the temporal flow which is able to process non-linear reality.

 

There is?

 

Yes, but it’s wild and erratic. It disrupts our sense of continuity – our feeling of being part of a normal law based 3D reality.

 

I bet it does. So the other mind can handle non-linear reality, but it’s something we’d be better off avoiding.

 

Correct. People can suffer severe mental breakdown if they become disconnected from the materium, even momentarily.

 

Oh dear.

 

Yes, they can suffer from temporal disassociation.

 

Temporal disassociation?

 

Where they no longer feel that the 3D flow of things is entirely believable, or entirely real.

 

Yikes.

 

And restoring their previous sense of tranquil mental association with the materium can be very difficult.

 

Well, in that case, Mr Cohen I can only assume you are doing sterling work trying to protect people from temporal disassociation.

 

Yes. It’s a vital job, so perhaps, Mr Smith, you’d be willing to explain your business?                                                                                                                                       

 

Ah – I’d love to help, Mr Cohen, but unfortunately, I can’t.

 

I don’t see why not, Mr Smith.

 

Correct. How could you see?

 

But I do sense a muted disruption in the materium in connection with your activities, which is why I need to insist you provide a more complete explanation.

 

Ah, Mr Cohen, you need to insist, do you?

 

Yes, Mr Smith, only for your wellbeing.

 

And the wellbeing of the Materium?

 

Precisely.

 

Not to mention the wellbeing of everyone else.

 

Yes, there’s the rub, Mr Smith, for a gap in the materium can shift erratically. It doesn’t necessarily follow the temporal rules of locality.

 

The temporal rules of locality – that’s rather a mouthful, Mr Cohen. Why should the rules of locality be temporal?

 

Good question, Mr Smith.

 

Well?

 

Well, as long as the individual is part of the temporal flow which keeps everyone and everything nicely integrated within the materium – cause and effect – you know, then locality is stable and linear.

 

Stable and linear?

 

That’s right. If you’re in Paraguay then you’re in Paraguay.

 

Or Papua New Guinea?

 

Precisely.

 

Or Portugal?

 

Yes.

 

Or…

 

Any location, whatever it is.

 

And you seem to be implying that this law of locality – if that’s what we can call it – doesn’t apply when the temporal structure of reality is interrupted?

 

Correct. Time and temperature need to be within regular bands.

 

Temperature too?

 

Yes. Absolute zero – causes things to starting misbehaving.

 

How interesting. But I fail to see how time can be interrupted, Mr Cohen.

 

Yes, it seems all but impossible, does it not, Mr Smith?

 

It does.

 

Indeed it should be, but somehow or other, gaps can and do appear in the materium from time to time, and they can trigger non-locality events.

 

Like what?

 

Like finding yourself in another world, or another page of the book.

 

Oh wow – like you slip through from one page to another vertically, as opposed to following the words in sequence, left to right, line by line?

 

Precisely.

 

That must be rather… astonishing.

 

Yes indeed.

 

But I fail to see what that has to do with me, Mr Cohen.

 

Not just you, Mr Smith – for a gap can suddenly detach from where you are – if you are the trigger – and slip across to other people who suddenly find themselves face to face with dinosaurs, or battling with anime warriors in ancient China.

 

Temporal dislocation?

 

Yes.

 

Losing the plot?

 

Well, yes, the story is utterly compelling until it’s not.

 

And you find yourself in another story which just happens to be more real than the pale, watered down version of reality – the 3D materium you were hitherto stuck in.

 

Ah. You’re not a fan, Mr Smith?

 

Of what, Mr Cohen?

 

Of 3D reality.

 

Why not?

 

You seem to think there are better, more real stories waiting to be discovered?

 

That is more an inference, Mr Cohen, not necessarily a preference.

 

Ah. But your language seems to imply that you dislike or disapprove of 3D reality, does it not? “Pale and watered down” is how you described it.

 

Ah, but again that doesn’t imply disapproval, Mr Cohen – not if it’s an objective fact.

 

No?

 

I may in fact like things to be “pale and watered down”. I may enjoy the security of things being safe and unspectacular – a reality in which there are no great surprises or dangers – in which I can enjoy shades of grey and a restricted range of experiences, as opposed to the wild and untrammelled freedom of the other side.

 

Yes, I see what you mean. Indeed, it’s only fair to say that nearly everyone consciously or unconsciously makes the choice to stay in the harbour, on the reservation, avoiding the other side. But, if that’s the case, Mr Smith, surely you’d be willing to explain your business?

 

My business, Mr Cohen, is neither here nor there.

 

Ah. You mean to say, you’re admitting the fact that you’re an agent?

 

An agent, Mr Cohen – what strange words you use.

 

You’re actively working to disrupt the Materium, are you not?

 

No, not at all. Just because I choose to leave the footpath and collect mushrooms in the forest doesn’t mean I wish to abolish, disrupt or damage footpaths per se.

 

But you’re aware of the consequences of your actions, are you not, Mr Smith?

 

I’m aware that you are trapped in your right mind, which uses words and definitions restrictively.

 

This is beginning to sound like a confession, Mr Smith.

 

Only if you’re intent on seeing harm in nature itself. Mushrooms should not necessarily be seen as the enemy of temporal reality, should they? and nor should mushroom picking necessarily be seen as a subversive activity.

 

You have signed an agreement with the mushroom kingdom, Mr Smith?

 

An agreement? Signed?

 

You have been into the mushroom net?

 

Are you implying that I’ve tried the effects of magic mushrooms, Mr Cohen?! Perish the thought.

 

You have not?

 

Why should I? Infinity does not need to be accessed through intermediaries.

 

Infinity? How can you talk of infinity – Mr Smith – if you are part of 3D reality – enjoying the fruits and benefits of the materium?

 

Ah – I didn’t realise that infinity is proscribed by the materium.

 

Proscribed? No, no one has proscribed anything here in the materium – other than harming other people. But there are certain associations which indicate…

 

Associations, Mr Cohen? You object to mushroom picking? Is that it? What about gardening? Is that allowed?

 

I never said anything of the sort – but you – answer the question please Mr Smith – have you had encounters with mushroom spirits?

 

Oh please, Mr Cohen – next you’ll be asking me if I’ve been in communication with dryads or naiads, or the Easter bunny! This is becoming absurd.

Well, you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to – but you’re going to remain under close observation, Mr Smith. There appear to be too many anomalies in your Field.

 

Anomalies in my Field? How astonishing? Could you describe them please?

 

I can show you a printout, Mr Smith. I think that will be easier. Have a look.

 

Mr Cohen hands Mr Smith a scatter chart with all kinds of outlying data points.

 

And what is this supposed to mean, Mr Cohen?

 

As you see, there are way too many outliers on your chart.

 

Well, Mr Cohen, as I’ve never seen any comparable chart I wouldn’t rightly know.

 

Ah, excuse my omission – here – look at these charts… All the data points are very close to the best fit line, as you see.

 

Ah, so what the heck’s going on with mine?

 

Well, that’s what’s causing concern.

 

So, let me get this right – Mr Cohen – you’re from the Ministry of Matter – you say, which I never previously heard of – and you’re here in my house because my scatter chart seems to be somewhat diffuse and out there.

 

Yes. We’re concerned that you might unwittingly be disrupting the Materium – or that perhaps the Mushroom kingdom might be using you as an agent.

 

And this mushroom kingdom – you’re referring to…

 

Yes?

 

Is it a threat to the Materium? Is it actively seeking to undermine of destroy our precious reality?

 

Not exactly.

 

Then what?

 

It’s a kingdom which is entirely natural and neither good nor bad, but there are forces which can and do work through it to access and takeover individuals such as yourself, we suspect.

 

Ok. Well Mr Cohen – I don’t know what you’ve been smoking but whatever it is, I’d like some. You seem to have a very colourful sense of paranoia, and this idea of mushrooms trying to take over the world – if that’s what you mean – frankly – it puts me in the mood to write a book.

 

Ah, Mr Smith, you’re a sensible sceptic, I see, but I’d like to ask you, if you wouldn’t mind, to assist the Ministry of Matter, if you would, by wearing this bracelet.

 

Mr Cohen takes out an emerald green bracelet and hands it to Mr Smith.

And what’s the deal, Mr Cohen?

 

We’ll pay you for your kind cooperation.

 

You’ll pay me?

 

Yes, you’ll get a six-figure salary.

 

For wearing a green plastic bracelet?

 

It isn’t, in fact, plastic, Mr Smith, but yes, for wearing this you’ll get an excellent salary.

 

And my soul?

 

Your soul – Mr Smith. I’m not sure I understand.

 

Ah, you don’t recognise the immortal soul?

 

I mean, your soul is a matter of personal faith, and you’re allowed to believe whatever you like.

 

So this is not in any way going to impinge on the functionality of my soul?

 

Like I said, Mr Smith, you’re allowed to believe in whatever you like.

 

Would you let me hold your hand while I put it on, Mr Cohen?

 

Er…

 

Just for reassurance. I’m a little scared of untested technologies.

 

Oh, I assure you, Mr Smith, that’s it been thoroughly tested. It causes no harm whatsoever. It merely corrects your scatter chart and brings you back into alignment with the Materium.

 

Your hand, please, Mr Cohen.

 

I…

 

If it causes no harm, you’ll have nothing whatsoever to lose.

 

Er…

 

But if it disrupts my life force, my soul, in any way that is harmful, this disruption will flow through to you.

 

I… er. It’s tried and tested. There’s really no need.

 

Hand.

 

But…

 

Hand.

 

Er, if you insist.

 

Mr Cohen gives Mr Smith his hand. Mr Smith puts on the emerald green bracelet and watches – watches Mr Cohen fragmenting into a million pieces.

Hey ho! Now, where was I…? Ah, Dorothy, my beloved Mushroom maid, let us continue our game of…

 

 

0=1

inconceivably

a thing of beauty is a joy forever

Silence.

What?!

 

Silence and perhaps inaction.

 

But how is it possible?

 

Because the weight of things interconnected with myriad other things means it’s almost impossible to make a mark or achieve anything by doing something or other.

 

Don’t be absurd. History of full of people doing things and achieving incredible results.

 

Isn’t it just.

 

Which proves you wrong.

 

Does it?

 

Well if you have any logic then yes, it does.

 

All it proves is that people have done incredible things, but they all happen within history, and history, if you don’t mind me saying, continues the same as always, from one murderous war to the next, from disease and famine through a brief interlude to more of the same.

 

But you can’t blame the heroes for that – the ones who nobly fought to bring about change. They shone a light and showed humanity that we can do better – we can rise above our shallow, petty-minded natures and start a new chapter in humanity – if only each of us will accept that we are all endowed with nobility and heroic attributes.

 

Sounds great Masha, but in practice it’s totally unworkable.

 

But why?

 

Because you can’t push on a string.

 

I beg your pardon?

 

Try it, if you like.

 

Try what?

 

To push on a string. You won’t get far.

 

But what’s that got to do with anything?

 

Because of mathematics.

 

What?

 

Because you can’t really affect things by doing, or even saying, things.

 

Of course you can! You can build a house or a bridge, you can make clothes or computers, you can invent the wheel or a time machine... There's so much you can do when you apply yourself. That's why we've come so far already.

 

Ah, we left behind the Neanderthals, and all but destroyed the planet.

 

Yes, we've damaged the planet horribly, but we also created beautiful poetry, music and art, not to mention gardens full of wonderfully cultivated plants, and farms stocked with animals we’ve bred for generations. It goes on and on, Tom. You shouldn't dismiss the astonishing achievements of humanity.

 

Indubitably, Masha, but these achievements are nothing compared to what we have sacrificed and what we could have achieved if we’d better balanced the 1 of action with the zero of non.

 

Non what?

 

Hey nonny nonny!

 

Have you nothing more intelligent to say?

 

Ok, Masha, my apologies – I’ll be more serious: the zero of non-action.

 

Non-action – as in inaction?

 

Well, there’s a subtle difference, isn’t there?

 

I wouldn’t know, Tom, is there?

 

Yes. Inaction is a bit like the failure to act because of uncertainty, laziness or prevarication – whereas non-action is a confident, positive um…

 

A positive um? You got me there.

 

Sorry – it’s difficult putting it into words.

 

I wonder why that would be?

 

Either because my theory is abstract or nonsensical…

 

Well, I’m not holding my breath, Tom.

 

Or… because language itself is part of the doing and acting mania.

 

Nonsense – people spend their whole lives talking and not getting anything done.

 

There’s that, Masha, I must admit – but this is more a case of language’s inability to express the beauty and power of zero, of non, or the positive, pregnant pause.

 

Me thinks you underrate language, Tom.

 

You might be right, Masha.

 

There’s poetry, for instance, which can do all kinds of things straight-forward prose struggles to.

 

Yes. Touché.

 

But if you expect me to believe your hypothesis – that not doing is equal to doing – that things can just magically sort themselves out – then good luck to you, Tom. I’d like to see you try – poetry or prose.

 

Ah – the false dichotomy, is it?

 

I beg your pardon?

 

The either-or logical fallacy.

 

What on earth are you on about?

 

You said poetry or prose – as if these are the only two ways I can persuade you that non-action is more powerful than action.

 

Well how else are you going to do so – by blowing your nose?

 

Ha ha, very funny.

 

Seriously. Do you think there’s an alternative?

 

There’s always an alternative – or to be precise – multiple alternatives.

 

Like what?

 

I don’t know, really. I could paint a picture, couldn’t I.

To prove a hypothesis? Possibly – but I’m deeply sceptical.

 

I could make a movie.

 

How likely is that? You’re going to make a whole movie just to prove a point which basically makes no sense.

 

Ah – but there we disagree, Masha. It makes perfect sense when you embrace the power of non-action. Besides, it’s becoming ridiculously easy to make movies with the AI engines now freely available.

 

Ok – you have a point – you could theoretically make a movie – but wouldn’t that disprove your hypothesis by requiring not-inconsiderable action?

 

Yes, you’re absolutely right my dear logical lady love.

 

Er… less of that, please.

 

So, if my theory’s correct – I should be able to prove it using little or no action whatsoever. Things should just fall into place in a matter of time.

 

In which case, your theory might be renamed the theory of infinite patience – because most people don’t have the time or the patience to wait for things to rearrange themselves – we’re always cutting to the chase, speeding up production times or even watching videos at double speed.

 

Yes. An age of hasty racing towards the abyss. But don’t worry Masha – this isn’t going to take long.

 

No?

 

No, in fact the proof is already in the pudding.

 

It is?

 

Yes.

 

How’s that?

 

Because my silence, my zero is not, in fact, the passive inaction you assumed it was.

 

So you say.

 

Real change, real action cannot happen in time.

 

So you say.

 

Because time is where things are merely shuffled around – with nothing changing fundamentally.

 

So you’re saying that nothing has changed in our world – that we’re where we were hundreds or thousands of years ago?

 

No, not at all.

 

Then I fail to see how…

 

Correct. Let me help. Newton’s third law.

 

Er…

 

For every action, or force, in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction.

 

And?

 

Meaning it’s a zero-sum game.

 

But that’s not what we see in reality, is it?

 

No, which means there’s clearly more to reality than what we see, or what we’re currently aware of.

 

Does it, Tom? Perhaps this is just the false premise fallacy.

 

The what?

 

An argument based on an incorrect or unsupported assumption, rendering the argument logically unsound.

 

Trying to beat me at my own game, I see! Well done, Masha.

 

Well, it isn’t so very difficult to be clever, is it?

 

You’re absolutely right, my love.

 

?! Do you have to resort to sexual harassment, Tom? I expected better of you?

 

Sexual harassment? Are you serious?

 

Well, you’ve twice referred to me as “your love”, which you have no right to do.

 

Ah that. I see what you mean, but here you’re hoisted by your own petard.

 

You what?

 

You yourself acknowledged I could use poetry to prove my hypothesis.

 

And?

 

And that’s exactly what I did.

 

No you didn’t.

 

Didn’t I? Why do you have to assume so intransigently that I’m being prosaic and literal when I switch into verse and addressed you poetically?

 

Because there was no poem. Just a little demeaning sexual harassment.

 

Ah, but poetry doesn’t have to be any particular length – dear Masha. If I switch to the poetic mode, even if only for two or three words – that is legitimate.

 

So you’re giving yourself the right to address any woman as “your love” just because you claim it’s poetic?

 

No.

 

Then what?

 

I was opening zero – creating a space, a pause, and to do that I used micro-poetry.

 

Oh, so now it’s “micro-poetry” is it?

 

Yes, why not?

 

How about “micro-harassment”, Tom?

Well you see, Masha, you can’t have your cake and eat it.

 

Oh really?

 

Yes, you can’t ask me to demonstrate the power of silence, the power of zero – without allowing me to open a portal into the aforementioned.

 

And the only way for you to do so is by treating me as a sexual object?

 

A sexual object? Poems throughout the ages have been more often than not addressed to a “love” or “lover” – real or imaginary – it matters little or matters not.

 

Well, they were poets and poems – whereas this was a regular conversation. You never indicated you were switching to poetry so I was perfectly justified in taking it personally.

 

Good.

 

Good?

 

Yes, now you see the difficulty we have effecting real or meaningful change in a world where things are bound up, through the medium of a person’s mind, his or her emotions, his or her ego, his or her feelings, his or her beliefs and assumptions – a whole tapestry of interwoven strands. We are all vulnerable and aware of the need to defend ourselves from change or imposition – as any change is going to affect or impose on someone else.

 

But there are people who bring about change intelligently, creatively, beautifully so that everyone is happy and willing to embrace it.

 

Yes, I agree. But still, speaking fundamentally, the problem of the poem – of shifting into another mode is revealing, is it not?

 

No, Tom, it’s not. It merely reveals that you’re an insensitive male chauvinist.

 

Ah, but suspend your disbelief for a moment – supposing I really was opening up a portal – into silence or zero – and to do that I referred poetically, not sexually, to love – then…

 

Then what did you achieve?

 

Ah – the pudding.

 

Yes. The pudding.

 

Have you noticed the passage of time? – while we were chatting about nothing much.

 

Well, yes, of course I did. We’ve been chatting for ten or fifteen minutes, have we not?

 

You’d think so, wouldn’t you. What about them?

 

Them?

The people who are party to this discussion.

 

What people, Tom?

 

There are always people, Gods, or spirits party to any discussion no matter where you are.

 

Really?

 

Absolutely. Such is the nature of consciousness. It cannot, does not happen in a vacuum – or if it does, the vacuum has the need or the ability to keep itself under constant observation.

 

And why is that?

 

Quantum physics, dear Masha.

 

Quantum physics?

 

Without constant observation – nothing happens – even if it apparently did or does.

 

Huh?

 

Without observation by a third party – it’s all just pie in the sky, or dream, you might say.

 

It is?

 

No substance whatsoever – so no traction whatsoever. The wheels spin but the car cannot, does not move forwards.

 

So there has to be observation?

 

Yes, and observation is never entirely neutral, is it, dear Mary.

 

You’re being poetic, Tom, are you?

 

Yes, my love.

 

I wish you wouldn’t.

 

I know, but somehow or other I have to keep the gates of poetry ajar – and the safest or easiest way to do so is

 

Sexual harassment.

 

Well, this is the modern age – is it not – an age of things and matter – where faery and alchemy and mythical creatures have all been consigned to the nursery – because love has been relegated to procreation and sexual identity.

 

Er… what else do you expect – if you’re being realistic?

 

Realistically I expect nothing else. It is what it is – but speaking poetically I care not in the least – for love is the force which embraces, encapsulates and activates the quantum field, where things can and do happen outside time, outside space, outside the endless push and shove of matter.

 

Oh really! Who ever heard such nonsense. Ask any scientist who knows about the quantum field whether love is a factor – if you want to see an expression of amused bewilderment or derision.

 

Ask a scientist? How many of your scientists are able to access the quantum field directly?

 

Don’t be ridiculous, Tom! No one is able to access the quantum field directly – it exists at the sub-atomic level – not at the scale of human beings.

 

Not if you are able to tunnel from prose to poetry – entering the zero-equals-one state of quantum indeterminacy.

 

Well Tom – I have to say – you are persistent and determined, if nothing else.

 

Well Masha – it’s been fun. But like I said, the proof is in the pudding.

 

Fat chance of that, Tom.

 

Fat chance, my lady love.

 

 

Masha winces, then turns to go out. Something strange is going on. Something she can’t quite put her finger on. She glances back at Tom to see if he’s feeling the same thing – but astonishingly he’s no longer there.

 

What the… where’d he go?

 

Numbers, numbers all around – Masha is shocked to find that she’s now able to see what looks like the green descending digits of the matrix.

 

No way… this can’t be!

 

She rubs her eyes and wills the numbers away. They upset her – something inside doesn’t want to know they’re there – doesn’t want to believe it could be true – doesn’t want to see what she’s just seen. To her relief they recede. They’re barely perceptible – barely – but there’s still a trace – a hint – a sense of impermanence in the walls and objects surrounding her – that they could at any moment be mathematically rubbed out or deleted.

 

Against her will something poetic inside rises up – she looks at a boring thing – a machine – I won’t say what – it really doesn’t matter – a machine that makes her mind feel tired and bored – as if it has an energy that saps the joy, saps the will to dance and live and know – and without wondering how – without wondering why – she looks at it from the other side – sensing different numbers – sensing an opposite force – an opposing thing – and now the machine is a rose – a rose is what she now sees – details flood in in real time – a rose bush – a garden – the thing is now a source of delight and joy – poetry – and she’s dancing around it like a child – feeling love, feeling joy – feeling relieved that the quantum field, or whatever this is – has no material constraints.

Masha – that was incredible.

 

Oh – Tom. I didn’t know you were…

 

So beautiful. Thanks for showing me that.

 

I – really don’t know what came over me.

 

Not to worry, my love, tis no matter.

 

I… ok.

 

They part. The poem – if poem it be – reverberates in the halls of third party observer minds – if halls there be – and the matrix shrugs – returning to its usual grip on things – adding ones, interminably.

 

 

1=0ve