Throughout history, human understanding of the universe has evolved as we have sought to uncover the fundamental principles governing existence. The emergence of modern physics, cosmology, and information theory has led to profound insights, suggesting that at the core of reality lies something deeper than just matter and energy—information itself. This perspective raises fundamental questions about the nature of existence, the role of laws of physics in shaping reality, and even the possibility that information existed before the phenomena it governs. Could the universe be structured in such a way that life, consciousness, and complexity were not accidental occurrences, but rather inevitable consequences of the way fundamental information is embedded in nature?
One of the key ideas underpinning this discussion is that for anything to occur in the physical world, the mathematical relationships governing its behavior must first exist. The laws of gravity, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics are not merely descriptions of what happens; they are manifestations of underlying information that structures reality itself. If we take this view seriously, then even before life emerged, the information required for life to exist must have been present in some form—perhaps encoded in the very fabric of spacetime. The universe, from the moment of the Big Bang, was already infused with the rules that would later allow for the formation of galaxies, planets, and eventually, self-replicating biological systems.
This perspective aligns with the idea that information precedes form. Just as the blueprint of a building exists before the structure itself is assembled, the fundamental laws of physics and chemistry provide the informational framework within which complex systems can arise. Atoms behave in predictable ways, forming molecules and chemical reactions that lead to biological macromolecules like DNA and RNA. These molecules store and process information, allowing for the evolution of life through replication, mutation, and selection. But could the informational structure of reality extend beyond just the physical and biological? Could it also apply to concepts like consciousness, spiritual experiences, or even the persistence of identity beyond death?
If information is indeed fundamental, it may not be limited to what we currently classify as "physical." Some have speculated that phenomena such as faith, intuition, and spiritual experiences might be linked to a deeper informational substrate within reality. Just as social media and big data analysis allow us to track patterns of persuasion and belief in real time, the same tools could potentially reveal insights into the nature of spiritual or religious experiences. Could there be unique informational signatures associated with moments of profound insight, conversion, or experiences described as supernatural? If so, could these be studied empirically, much like other complex patterns in human cognition and behavior?
These ideas lead to broader questions about the nature of dark matter, dark energy, and the unknown components of the universe. If the cosmos is not just composed of visible matter and energy, but also includes vast unknowns, might these mysterious components be linked to information in ways we have yet to understand? Some have speculated that zero-energy gravitons or photons might play a role in storing or transmitting information on a fundamental level, perhaps even persisting across time in ways that could explain phenomena like memory, identity, or consciousness beyond death. Others have considered whether dark energy—the mysterious force driving the accelerated expansion of the universe—could be related to an informational aspect of spacetime itself.
The conversation around these topics challenges the traditional boundaries of science, philosophy, and spirituality. While modern scientific institutions often operate within a framework that excludes the supernatural, the very concept of what is "natural" might itself be subject to revision. If spirit or consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality, it may simply be another state of existence—one that can be studied, modeled, and understood. Just as scientific theories evolve in response to new evidence, the expansion of science into previously unexplored territories might lead to a greater integration of physical, informational, and even spiritual dimensions of reality.
This discussion, then, is an invitation to rethink what we consider fundamental. If information is at the heart of all existence, then everything—from the motion of galaxies to the emergence of life, to the experience of faith and consciousness—may ultimately be different manifestations of a single, underlying reality structured by informational principles. The challenge before us is how to study, interpret, and apply this perspective to deepen our understanding of both the universe and ourselves.
Stephen D Green with AI, March 2025
