You have a chance to escape this pandemic world to an alternate reality. Do you jump at the chance?
By: Adam Borowski
Tags: Health, Money, Advice, Reality, Dating

You have a chance to escape this pandemic world to an alternate reality. Do you jump at the chance? Adam Borowski Follow Dec 15, 2020 · 3 min read

Photo by AHMER AMBERSARIYA on Unsplash

This isn’t going to be another article complaining about the state of the world. We all know it’s a global crisis. There’s no need to keep talking about it over and over. I’d like to propose a thought experiment instead.

Join me as we explore infinite possibility.

Buckminster Fuller said:

‘’You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.’’

And that’s what we’re going to do here. We’re going to swap this reality for another. Someone video calls you. I don’t know what kind of an app you use to video call others. Let’s say it’s WhatsApp. You don’t understand what’s going on — it looks as though your own WhatsApp account is calling you. Intrigued, unnerved and confused at the same time, you suspect it’s some sort of a prank call. Or a scam.

‘’Hey. I’m you from an alternate reality. I know, it’s shocking but I’m calling you because I think you have what it takes to trade places with me.’’

What the hell? Is this a deepfake video? What’s going on? This person looks EXACTLY like you! Well, they sound a bit different and — to be honest- they just might have a better fashion sense — but, other than that, there’s no doubt it’s you!

‘’Look,’’ you smile. ‘’Props for the video. Don’t call me again. I’ll block you now.’’

You feel a light tap on the shoulder. You freeze. Your reptilian brain kicks in. Fight-or-flight response. Adrenaline.

‘’I’m you!’’ the person standing behind you exclaims as you feel your heart stuck in your throat. ‘’I’m here to give you a way to escape this world. I’m from an alternate reality. There’s no pandemic there. I mean you no harm. I want to trade places with you. Shocking, I know, but it’s my choice. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about my place. My circle of friends and acquaintances, annoying co-workers, passwords, all you need to know, really, to be me over there, in my reality. No one’s going to know. Sure, you’re a bit different but no one is going to notice. Who in their right mind would suspect you’re from an alternate universe? Just know that — if you agree to the swap- we’ll never see each other again, so weigh your options carefully and make a clear decision!’’

Maybe this individual is telling the truth, maybe not. The fact is: it’s you. 100% you. And the fact he/she is standing in front of you tells you he/she probably can travel between dimensions. But why the hell would anyone want to live in a world ravaged by a pandemic? Different worlds, different motives, probably. You don’t really know anything about this person — or what their reality is REALLY like. And wouldn’t that make you an impostor? How would you feel about — essentially lying- to others in this person’s reality? Your husband/wife? Your children? Would that matter to you? Or not at all, since you’re basically the same person?