When we look at the universe on a large scale, we realize that it is not uniformly distributed, but instead forms a structure surprisingly similar to a web, with dark matter filaments connecting galaxies and clusters.
This pattern has been confirmed by simulations like the Millennium Simulation and studies conducted by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which have revealed a vast network of structures. Dark matter, which we cannot see but exerts an essential gravitational force, represents about 27% of the universe. Dark energy, which drives the accelerated expansion of the cosmos, makes up 68%. And ordinary matter, the stuff that forms stars, planets, and everything we perceive, is only 5%.
This cosmic web reminds us of other patterns we observe in nature, such as the neural networks that shape our brains or Earth's weather systems, where a small variation can trigger large changes. This analogy leads us to a fascinating question: Could there be a deeper interconnection between the cosmos and our daily actions?
The butterfly effect, a concept originating in chaos theory, suggests that small changes in a system can trigger large consequences over time. This term was popularized by meteorologist Edward Lorenz in the 1960s when he discovered that small errors in the initial conditions of a weather model could cause significant alterations in the final outcomes. His metaphor, that "the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil can set off a tornado in the United States," illustrates how a small, seemingly insignificant action can alter the course of a complex system.
Though the butterfly effect started in meteorology, its reach has extended to other fields such as biology, economics, and even sociology. In these fields, small events, like a change in individual decisions or a local social movement, can generate global changes. In our daily lives, this can be seen in how small actions – such as a casual conversation, a personal choice, or an unexpected decision – can have a multiplying effect on our personal trajectory and society in general.
If the universe follows these same principles of self-organization observed in nature, perhaps our thoughts, words, and actions influence, albeit subtly, the evolution of this universal network. Just as changes in a system's initial parameters can alter its dynamics, we may also be unknowingly influencing the processes that govern the universe.
PROS:
✔️ The interconnectedness suggests that every action, no matter how small, matters, giving deeper meaning to our existence.
✔️ It could foster a more responsible attitude toward our actions and thoughts, with the awareness that even the simplest gestures can have an impact.
✔️ This view connects science with philosophy, promoting a holistic view of reality and showing that everything is part of the same whole.
✔️ It invites us to reconsider our relationship with the universe and see ourselves as active agents within a network of subtle influences.
CONS:
❌ There is no scientific evidence to prove that human consciousness directly influences the universe on a cosmic scale. Current science has not yet established a direct connection between human actions and the large-scale structure of the universe.
❌ The complexity of the butterfly effect makes it difficult to apply to cosmic scales, as the magnitude of the factors involved in the universe is much larger than in smaller systems.
❌ It may lead to mystical-speculative interpretations without a solid empirical basis, especially when linking human consciousness with the workings of the universe in spiritual or metaphysical terms.
Conclusion:
This view invites us to reflect deeply on our role in the universe: Are we just spectators of its grandeur, or are we part of a network of subtle influences, where even our tiniest thoughts and actions can make an impact? If we accept the idea that the universe follows principles of self-organization and that every small particle can influence global evolution, then our lives, actions, and decisions could have more significance than we imagine.
Kilian Víndel - Certificació Starlight 16/03/2025
