Chapter 10

Evidence for the Existence of Intelligence
within Non-Living Matter

(8) There is evidence for the existence of intelligence operating within non-living matter. This is much more difficult to discern than when viewing living systems, and I believe it cannot be scientifically validated at the present time. Nevertheless, our inability to prove the existence of intelligence or consciousness in non-living matter does not exclude the possibility of its presence there. Many well-informed, scientifically oriented individuals believe that consciousness is an attribute of inorganic matter. For example, David Bohm has been trying to derive a consistent quantum-relativistic theory of matter. He begins with the concept of "unbroken wholeness" and sees non-local connections as an essential part of this wholeness. He has found it necessary to regard consciousness as an integral part of his theory.¹

As indicated in the last chapter, there can no longer be significant doubt that intelligence is a continuum that permeates all living tissue. Is there a threshold between living and non-living matter so that intelligence is operational in only living tissue, or does the continuum bridge across this apparent gap to involve inorganic matter also? As will be discussed, the distinction between living and non-living matter is not nearly as discrete as originally perceived.

Gary Zukav has written that "the distinction between organic and inorganic is a conceptual prejudice." The distinction becomes harder to maintain at the level of quantum mechanics.²

As stated previously, quantum theory suggests that the universe is not simply a collection of physical objects, but is rather a complicated web of relations between the various parts of the unified whole. "Quantum interconnectedness" is continually being observed in the study of quantum theory. Non-local connections have been found when observing seemingly local events. There appear to be instantaneous connections to the universe as a whole. The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) experiment illustrates the non-local connections and supports the concept of instantaneous transfer of information over great distances without any expenditure or transfer of energy. The spin of one electron can "instantaneously" affect the spin of another electron over a great distance.³..."It has been estimated that the microscopic state of a gas in a laboratory would be altered significantly in a fraction of a second if a single gram of matter as far away as Sirius, the dog star, were to be moved a distance of only one centimeter.".⁴...These non-local connections with instantaneous communication occur in both organic and inorganic molecules. Subatomic particles within all types of molecules appear to instantaneously know what decisions are made elsewhere.⁵

As discussed in Chapter Four, Shannon has shown that the accumulation of information in any system, non-living or otherwise, is a reciprocal process to that of entropy and is mathematically related by the simple conservation law.

H + I = constant = H_max = I_max

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