Does the Universe Cease to Exist if All Living Beings Died?

The question ldquo;If every single living thing on the infinite, vast canvas of the universe died, would the universe ultimately cease to exist?rdquo; leads us into a deep exploration of existence, reality, and the nature of the cosmos. The answer, however, is a resounding no. Much like how the universe didnrsquo;t cease to exist during the first one to two billion years it took for the first forms of life to evolve, the universe would continue to persist even without any living beings. This article delves into various perspectives on this intriguing query, from scientific understanding to philosophical interpretations.

The Endurance of Existence

Existance itself transcends the limited realm of living beings. Existence is a fundamental characteristic of the universe, whether it is perceived or not. The existence of the universe does not depend on the presence of living organisms. Even during the first billion years where forms of life were non-existent, the universe continued to exist. Emphasizing the innate endurance of the cosmos, it is unceasing and independent of the presence or absence of life.

Quantum Mechanics: A Window into Reality

Delving deeper into the realm of quantum mechanics, is the concept of Relational Quantum Mechanics (RQM). RQM suggests that the universe is composed of interactions between physical systems, and there is no observer-independent reality. According to this theory, any physical system, be it microscopic or macroscopic, conscious or unconscious, living or non-living, can serve as an observer. The state of a physical system and the value of a physical variable are real only relative to the observing physical system.

In RQM, even if all living beings were to die, the universe would not cease to exist. Other physical systems would continue to interact with each other, creating real and meaningful interactions relative to the observing system. The concept of an observer-independent reality is challenged, making room for a more inclusive understanding of the universersquo;s existence. This perspective aligns with scientific principles, emphasizing the autonomy of the universe, independent of the presence or absence of conscious life.

The Scientific Perspective

A fundamental assumption in the scientific viewpoint is that the universe exists independently of conscious beings. This means that the universersquo;s existence and properties are not contingent upon the awareness of living beings. This perspective is supported by the scientific community, which recognizes the objective nature of the universe. Even if all living organisms become extinct, the universe continues to persist and maintain its existence according to the laws of physics.

The Vedantic Perspective

From a philosophical standpoint, particularly the Vedantic view, consciousness is considered the foundation of all experience. According to this view, without consciousness, even the existence of the external universe would be meaningless. Therefore, the question of the universersquo;s existence without living organisms poses a profound challenge to this perspective. If consciousness is the foundation, the universersquo;s existence is inherently tied to the presence of some form of consciousness. However, this does not negate the scientific view of the universersquo;s independent existence.

Reappearance and Reformation

An intrinsic aspect of the universe is its cycle of manifestation and unmanifestation. The manifestation of physical forms, such as living beings, does not imply that the underlying reality ceases to exist. If all sentient life in the universe were to disappear, it does not mean that the universe itself ceases to exist. Instead, other forms of existence might manifest in place of the living beings. This idea aligns with the concept of cyclical existence, where the underlying reality continues to persist, manifesting in different forms over time.

The existence and way of being of matter do not depend on any person observing it. Matter and its properties are inherent and objective, existing independently of consciousness. As Murthy points out, it is the intrinsic properties of matter that define its existence, and this existence generates knowledge and understanding of itself through interactions and observations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the universe would not cease to exist even if all living beings were to die. The endurance of the universe is a result of its inherent properties and independent existence. Whether viewed through the lens of scientific principles or philosophical interpretations, the universersquo;s existence is beyond the limitations of living organisms. This perspective emphasizes the fundamental reality and enduring nature of the cosmos.