Is the Force Real?

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Is the Force Real?

By Rick D.

Life energy, every philosophy has a name for it: chi; ki; aura; chakra; even the Jedi understand it and call it the Force. In the scientific realm it is known as Quantum Mechanics – “a fundamental theory of nature at the small scales and energy levels of atoms and subatomic particles” (1). At the atomic level there is a nucleus with one or more electrons that revolve around it magnetically, which causes electricity to build up inside the radius of the electron’s path. The speed of the electron determines the amount of energy and density of the mass of atom. This applies to every atom, and everything is made of atoms thus everything is made of energy.

As Jedi we must come to a transformed understanding of the physical universe; that this energy, or Force, forms the base of and radiates out of all things. Eastern philosophy has understood this for centuries, but it is only in the last century that the western world has been able to use science to understand it. Albert Einstein was one of the founders of the idea of quantum mechanics, and expanded it with the theory of quantum entanglement, when he found that particles, even when separated by great distances, remain connected and their actions effect each other (2). Even his most famous formula: E=mc2 is a testament that mass and energy are related.

The ideas George Lucas wrote about in what he called “the Force” can now be studied and quantified as real. Evidence shows that everything is created of pure energy, and that energy can be manipulated. The question now is: how can we, as Jedi use this energy; how can we see it; feel it; and use it?

The Celestine Prophecy, by James Redfield, says that human perception of this begins with a heightened sense of beauty, as if we begin to see the energy surrounding the object and that by focusing our attention on this energy we can begin to see it and feel it more readily. An article posted on the Asaya Mind blog discussed ten experiments that will change the way you look at energy and how our thoughts have power (3). Each one involves the power of thought and projecting energy. #6 in particular “TohAte” is most intriguing because it involves something that can be directly related to the Star Wars Jedi – the Force Push, as discussed as part of the Nishino Breathing Method (4). 

As real Jedi, we try to distance ourselves from the Star Wars moniker, but we use the term “Jedi” for a reason, and that is because we hold a belief in the philosophy that the Jedi espoused. While much of the Star Wars “Jedi doctrine” is based on fantasy, some of it does relate to real world ideas and philosophies. As such it is our duty, if we want to call ourselves Jedi, to find those real world Jedi ideas and explore them further. Using the Force is one of those ideas, and we should explore it further as part of our own Jedi doctrine!

 

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics/ 

(2) https://www.livescience.com/28550-how-quantum-entanglement-works-infographic.html/

(3) Asaya Mind   http://asayamind.com/danger-10-experiments-that-will-forever-change-how-you-think-about-your-thinking/

(4) The Nishino Breathing Method  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1475930/

Comments 28

  1. MarVinKra
    Wonderful sermon :) Thank you! I hope you can come along to next week's guided discussion where we can discuss this further on Skype chat! A very interesting and powerful topic
  2. Amyntas
    Thank you :)
  3. Gisteron
    I understand that the comment sections in sermons are there only for praise. But I don't comment if I have nothing constructive to add, so do brace yourself :P Quantum mechanics is not a force, nor an energy. It is a theory, a scientific model designed to account for past and predict for future observations. An atom can, in principle, be charged so much as for there to be no electrons bound to it. When ever you see lightning, or a candle flame, that's essentially a "gas" of fully ionized atoms. We call it plasma and tend to identify it as a fourth state of matter, hence the quotation marks around gas. When the atom [i]does[/i] have electrons, they don't strictly "revolve" around it, at least not in quantum theory. Rather they occupy discrete energy states that do not correlate to anything as intuitive as distance, but are purely abstract descriptions of how they could and would react, as they perform or experience work. The electromagnetic force is not magnetic and there is no such thing as a magnetic monopole which is what you are implying by saying what you do. The state of the electron does nothing to "build up electricity inside the radius of its path". I don't even know what that means. In quantum mechanics, the bound electron does not have a speed like a satellite revolving around its parent body, so it cannot determine anything, not even the energy of the mass or the density of the mass of an atom, what ever those are. Albert Einstein was not one of the founders of quantum mechanics. He, in fact, ridiculed and rejected it until he was no more. Quantum entanglement was one of the primary reasons he opted to reject all of quantum mechanics, despite its reliability. As for E=mc², I'd say that it shows that rest mass and energy are not just related, but literally the same thing, differing only in unit which is accounted for by as little as a constant, c². I don't usually comment on sermons, I barely even comment on the forums. Do your mystical woo-woo all you like for all I care. But please, do leave science out of it, if you don't know any. Otherwise you will just embarass yourself, as has happened here.
    1. Tarran
      Gisteron, please take this with a grain of salt; if mistaken terms were used, or words placed incorrectly and out of context, it doesn't make the concept of the Force non-scientifically backable, or "woo-woo". Science can and does support its presence (for reference links, etc., do your own research). If one's culture calls it prana, akasha, the quintessence, chi, or even the bio-electomagnetic field, it still is a thing... and has been recognized fact out here in Asia for over 5,000 years. Myself, no, I certainly wouldn't equate it with quantum mechanics, no. It more has to do with the interrelationships between/among the four forces (gravitational, electromagnetic, and the weak and strong nuclear forces), and primarily understanding/manipulation of the electromagnetic.
      1. Tarran
        I misspelled "bio-electromagnetic field" :P lol
      2. Gisteron
        I was just pointing out how almost everything Rick said about physics is wrong. I'm not saying that therefore the Force is non-scientifically backable. I don't know if it is backable at all, let alone non-scientifically. If you wish to try and debate the reality of the Force with me on scientific grounds, I do sincerely wish you the best of luck, though I would really rather not be put in a position where I have to openly dispute it here. In my comment I didn't. I was just cautioning against dragging science into this. While I understand that a sermon is supposed to inspire, not to inform, doing as was done here can in some cases render half the sermon misinformation still, and some sermon speakers might not want that to happen to theirs.
        1. Tarran
          Now, now, please don't take me the wrong way here... in truth (and in fact), I cannot but agree with you reply on all counts... I meant no locking of horns, certainly. But while seeing the slight misguidedness of one's efforts, I cannot ignore the zeal for purpose - something that, though, while warranting some correction in the delivery of concept, should not be so squashed by judgement, until the candle flame of it is snuffed out utterly. Again, please take care to not misunderstand me - I do not accuse you of such. I just tend to be empathic (more than I can choose to be, at times) of cases like these. I cannot express enough, however, how, like you, I utterly loathe and despise "woo"... it infuriates me to no end. I *am* thankful for your input here. It was very well placed. I merely hope to *encourage* this... "sermon's" author to explore the sciences further, and not let his (her?) spirit get down. It was a valiant effort, even if misinformed. But yes, yes I do concede and agree with you fully <3
  4. Kyrin Wyldstar
    I'm sorry but I actually cringed reading this. I didn't really consider this a sermon so much as a poor attempt to shoehorn scientific theory into metaphysics. Its deeply inaccurate and demonstrates a gross misunderstanding of Quantum Mechanics. Gist pretty much nailed it on this one but I also just wanted to also mention the links to pseudo-scientific claims included here have also been massively debunked. When it comes to the forces of nature, you cant just invent theories through assertion, false association and logical fallacy just to fit a private worldview.
    1. Tarran
      A bit abrupt, pricklingly charged with being personally miffed, and a little on the harsh side thereof, but not unwarranted. I cannot disagree. Nothing, not one word you typed was incorrectly put. I hear you and agree. Most especially, as you've pointed out, that this was by far, not a sermon per se... that is to say, as Gisteron pointed out above, something "to inspire" as well as inform. More of a statement or proposal of theory. I totally agree with you both - a sermon should inspire the heart and spirit. This seemed more of the nature of attempting at a proof of sorts... certainly nothing bad in and of itself, but there's the matter of appropriate time/place for such... a lecture hall perhaps, but perhaps not a Temple sermon. All aside, for lack of any other positivity in arm's reach, i should say - while not superbly well-informed, a valiant writing effort, and with great zeal for purpose! I look forward to future, further-informed, writings of an inspirational nature from this author <3
      1. Gisteron
        It was a sermon in the sense that it was supposed to inspire and not to inform. This was trying to inform, though it didn't have to, and the one who tried informing others was gravely uninformed themselves which is why it failed so gloriously. And no, speaking out of one's behind is far more appropriate at a temple sermon than it is in a lecture hall. That's why I'm not saying that any of it is out of place. I'm just saying that this is what it is because unlike most churches, here there are still some who care.
        1. Tarran
          Yes :)
      2. Kyrin Wyldstar
        Well yes, i have never been accused of being overly diplomatic. Passive aggressive I do not do. Lol, in any case this was not meant as an attack so much as a costructive critique. People try in desperation every day to bootjack science into spirituality in order to try and justify their claims. It never works though. Let science be science and the mystical be what it is. There is no explanation for the mystery of life and there is not meant to be. Stop trying to quantify it into some discrete phenomenon that exists in the boundaries of logic. Emotions are messy and human experience is even messier. Revel in that and embrace it's warm moist slick messiness, and please dont cheapen that experience with poor attempts to contain it!
        1. Tarran
          ^_^
  5. Jhannuzs Ian
    Thank you! :)
  6. Rex
    I get the point of this sermon and enjoy it. A lot of people tend to try and create a dualistic natural vs spiritual dichotomy that often leads to neglecting the latter. At the same time, Gisterion nailed an important point. Accuracy. It's really easy to just learn bill nye-level, second hand science and regurgitate the fun facts to fit your narrative. Misrepresentation hurts your point in the eyes of others, which reflects poorly on all of us. Quantum mechanics do help bridge the gap between the purely causal and materialistic world and the unknown. In the most dumbed down form, waveforms can be represented with non-linear time variant models in each dimension which just illustrates the maddeningly tiny tip of the iceberg we experience. While differential equations tend to dampen spiritual fervor, understanding the language of science while talking about it is just as important as understanding the language of faith. The two sometimes overlap, but understanding the semantics of both are incredibly important.
  7. necromancer
    I also came to the same conclusion of electrons binding other atoms to other atoms. i thought i was one of the few to understand this concept. i actually went to a university to talk with a physics tutor. so the fictional force in the movies starwars is very much a real scientifically proved religeon.
    1. Gisteron
      Oh, did you? What university was that? Which physics tutor? And they confirmed that indeed electrons bind "other atoms" (as if electrons were atoms) to each other and/or themselves? So... then how come liquids and gases exist, where electrons can be present at pretty much the same ratio as in solids, except individual molecules are free to travel untethered by the magical Star Wars electron force? Did your tutor explain that, too? Or did you stop listening to them the instant you were done asking the question? Don't drag science into your religion, especially if you don't know any. It will not strengthen your position, only undermine it. I mean it in the kindest of ways. There is enough opposition to your mystical woo out there, they really don't need your help in demolishing it.
  8. necromancer
    All I was saying I spoke to a teacher about electrons if they where what bound atoms together.and yes some atoms are bound together liquid, gases and solids. So my point was this could be the mystical force. My belief may be different but you have not asked.
    1. Gisteron
      Oh, that's fine, I assumed that you believed what you said, that's how much I trust people. Anyway this university tutor or teacher or who ever it was that you spoke to that for understandable reasons is being left anonymous here seems to understand as much about it as you do which appears to be far far beyond what little middle school chemistry and undergraduate university physics I took. For one, I don't know what binding together means in this context. Electrons are surely neither necessary nor sufficient to keep an atomic nucleus from bursting apart, so that can't be it. Bonds between atoms or ions into larger molecules would, I suppose, be influenced in part by the amount and distribution of electrons prior to the reaction that ends up binding them, but then that of course can split them apart just the same as it can weld them together... And while we're at it, what on earth are your magical Star Wars electrons doing to this here monstrosity? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zoTKXXNQIU
  9. necromancer
    On my quest to uncover the true force. I thought science might have the answer. But questions where raised. So I went back to my belief system of the force being more spiritual and more of a force driving me to do what I do. Kind of a more natural way of thinking.i did dable in the fringes of what most would call dark arts, but once again the force that drives me pulled me back to a more positive thinking patten.
  10. necromancer
    It is hard because everyone has their own belief system on any subject especially religion. So it is good to get all the facts before you judge someone to heart fully.
    1. Kyrin Wyldstar
      Necromancer, avoiding gists question and instead resorting to faith does nothing for your "proven theory" you discussed with your apparently imaginary professor.
  11. necromancer
    The tutor i spoke of was a ex physics teacher and all i was saying as the title of the sermon says ,what is the real force. I was just telling you my journey to find what it is in my own life. So no I don't have all the answers infact to say I do would be misleading myself? I also posted the thread after gists comment. So my mistake for believing that a noobie like myself has had such fierce comments. I am just a guest but seeing the remarks I have had, has left me wondering if the jedi temple is for me. instead of educating me. You basically said your wrong go away.
  12. necromancer
    You criticise me for believing in faith and I never said the force was magical.all I was doing was saying at one time I believed the force was electrons which is energy. Sorry
  13. necromancer
    Gist or kyrin what do you think the force is. If it's not something of faith. You mock but at least I have searched for answers. Like why do I see that car coming before it is made visible to my eye's.is it being force sensitive or is it something else. I'm sorry if I came across rude. Please forgive me.
    1. Gisteron
      I don't know what seeing a car before you see it is. Not sure it happens either, or why it does, if it does. I don't think about what the Force is. I'm not even sure I understand the question. What does it mean for the Force to "be" anything? I was not mocking you, I didn't tell you to go away and I hold no grudges regardless. All I'm saying is that dragging science into this wouldn't do you any favours, and... well, it didn't. I mean, clearly, even if we assumed that electrons did indeed bind atoms together (which I'm certain no expert in physics said to you, even if that is what you believe you heard), what ever that means, that would surely not account for this car foresight you asked about just now, so clearly, not even this alternate version of electrons, let's call them forcectrons, corresponds to the Force without artificially adding more of the fictional Star Wars Force's properties to our newly made up forcectrons. And at that point, why not just call them midichlorians already and leave genuine science to its own devices.^^
  14. necromancer
    Yes I agree no hard feelings.☺
  15. Korvus
    That was rather nice. Thank you! I appreciate your sermon!

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