Entropy

[Vincent A. Maeder]

There seems to be a new paradigm building distinct from that of entropy
(that slow wind down of the universe into a cold death).  The new paradigm
seems to be developing along the lines of hidden evil in the universe
driving us apart.  

Take the new theories of a cosmological constant as an indicator of "dark
energy" responsible for driving the universe apart at greater and greater
speeds.  Take the concept of dark energy which accounts for more mass in the
universe that mass visible by light.  Take the fact that the new paradigm in
astrophysical circles is that "dark energies" and "dark matter" are actually
the greater portion of the universe.

Then contrast or compare that with the unveiling of the "dark energies"
behind our economy, of Enron, of mutual funds, of steel consortiums, of
politicians distorting representations made to the public to justify actions
propounded as acts of good and a parallel begins to emerge.

That as we realize the universe is made up of an uncontrollable and
unknowable "dark energy" which is tearing apart a universe filled with "dark
matter" that, literally now, cannot be accounted for except for its
influence upon light and mass, we also realize that "dark energies" of our
society are tearing apart our economy and our society filled with "dark
figures" unknowable except by their influences upon the economy and society.

The paradigm then becomes that the universe is, in essence, a dark and
unknowable place and, more than that, is filled with an unknowable "dark
force" that permeates all of creation down to the price 

Cf. New York Times Science Section article concerning the nature of gravity
and Nova's recent special on string theory with recent reports of the
political thought that politicians can only win by motivating their base to
get out the vote rather than drawing more people into their tent; shootings
such as the beltway shooter or the Columbine massacre; our executive
branch's portraiture of Muslims and political systems different from our
form of "democracy"; the patriot act as a vacuous force of evil hidden
behind the colorful flag of patriotism; etc.)

Ok, rant over, don't know what brought that on, but my mind is now wandering
down this realist movement and wondering whether there is a connection with
our shuddering away from thoughts of entropy, that seemingly autolytic
process, and toward a "realist" view of the true nature of society and the
universe as a dark, evil and unknowable place whose dark forces and dark
figure outnumber the rabble left in the street, influencing them along the
edges of the network inexorably tearing us apart.  

Our struggle, then, is against that great force which cannot be overcome
except in moments of nonlinear dynamics and chaos themselves subject to
eventual demise by the dark energies of life, the universe and everything.