Entropy

When we think of randomness in the Universe, we often think of “luck” or “synchronicities.” In physics, “Entropy” is the natural order behind a disorder. It is the physical magnitude that measures the microstates of a system, measuring change over time. 

Order And Disorder

Imagine you have 4 balls of different colors inside of a box. You shake the box consistently for a while and then suddenly stop. What is the probability that the 4 balls are on the left side of the box?

This would be the most “orderly” state, and there is only one chance this will happen.  Then, what is the likelihood of 2 balls on the left and 2 on the right? This would be the “messiest” state of all possible combinations, meaning that the answer is 6.

There are, of course, several combinations in which the balls could land. However, it is more likely for the balls to land in a “messy” order. Therefore, each time you shake the box, you get higher chances of achieving an “orderly” state. 

So, What is Entropy?

“Entropy” is a mathematical calculation to determine the degree of disorder in a system. So, instead of disorder in the Universe, there is actually a statistical order. 

There is no disorder.

What are order and disorder? In everyday life, this could be defined as right or wrong. Instead, there are simply two equal, yet, opposite parts to a whole. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these parts are Yin and Yang, two parts that exist in a clear and well-differentiated way. This is also one of the ways that Tarot cards work.

If a glass vase falls to the ground, it will break into pieces. In this scenario, the full vase is considered orderly, while the fragments are messy. However, if the vase is thrown there would be higher entropy and more possible combinations of glass fragments. 

Expansion of the Universe

The second law of entropy tells us that the universe’s entropy tends to grow. That’s why we see glasses break, balls roll or leaves burn. The Universe always tends to get messier and messier.

The universe tends to clutter. Therefore, it’s easier to undo than to do, to destroy than to build, or to forget than to remember.

Since the Universe is infinitely expanding and our physical understanding of it remains limited, it begs the question: How do you wish to live?