Hidden In Plain Sight: The simple link between relativity and quantum mechanics

by Andrew H. Thomas

The message from quantum mechanics is that we should treat the universe as one connected, entangled object.

So relativity is telling us that there is nothing outside the universe: the universe is the only thing that exists.

Quantum mechanics tells us that everything is connected as one object: the universe. And relativity tells us that the universe is the only thing that exists. Two ways of saying the same thing. It is as if quantum mechanics

Just remember that whenever you hear symmetry mentioned it is a result of Nature's inability to distinguish between physical situations.

There is an interconnectedness to reality, a unity.

there is nothing outside the universe, and no absolutes, then: The properties of any particle — or any object — are determined by all the other objects in the universe.

before observation, the object must have a multi-valued form of reality — as is observed in quantum mechanical behaviour. It is only when the object interacts with the rest of the universe that its properties become progressively tied down to particular values.

It is through interaction with the rest of the universe (via the measuring apparatus) that the properties of a particle become fixed. Before observation, the particle's properties are undefined.

So if Nature has no access to absolute standards for particle properties, then we would expect to see similar symmetries in particle properties — and this is exactly

There is no absolute definition of any particle property: particle properties must be defined relative to each other.