Bohm also suggests that below the quantum field there are even more subtle levels of process that are involved in loops of active information. This represents a hierarchy that extends into increasingly more subtle levels of existence in which both matter and consciousness are contained.³⁷

David Layzer in 1975 presented a theory of universal evolution in which he recognized three arrows of time. The first is the arrow of cosmic expansion directed away from the initial universal state, which was infinity condensed, uniform and devoid of information. The second is the arrow of history, which is defined by the evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, life, civilization and mind, all of which are becoming increasingly complex with more information. The third is the thermodynamic arrow of increasing entropy, which involves the continual breakdown of macroscopic structures to simpler forms.³⁸... He also, therefore, relates the entropic process to universal expansion and the evolution of increasing information.

Through all the apparent confusion it has been repeatedly recognized that there are two seemingly opposing processes occurring throughout the universe. There is a tendency for all things to degenerate and a tendency toward continuous creation. It is our reductionist mind-view that causes us to interpret these two processes as being in opposition. They are both necessary integrative functions which work together to allow the evolutionary process to occur. There are mathematical relationships that can be applied which we are just beginning to understand. As long as we keep it simple and see the two opposing processes as equal in importance, the concept is relatively easy to comprehend. We only get into trouble when we try and reduce the total overall view into small component parts, again reflecting the operation of our reductionist, analytical mind as we experience it during ordinary consciousness states.

We also get into trouble when trying to understand the basic entropic-syntropic process, because we don't yet know whether to view the universe as an open or closed system. Clearly every object within the universe, without exception, is open.

Any mathematical expression as it applies to entropy will also be influenced by the rate that the universe is expanding. Is this rate slowing down, speeding up, or remaining constant? Because of the unknown we can only approximate our description of this part of our reality. As more is discovered we will be able to refine it.

All of the above theories have one basic common denominator. They all recognize the fact that there are both living and non-living systems which are continually gaining in information in opposition to the universe-wide entropic process, and that they have a relationship mathematically.

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