Dear Eccentric Scientist,

It has come to my notice that you have been diligently and passionately working on making a time machine. I admit that the concept of time machine seems very romantic. The idea of going back into the past and changing the present or seeing the glimpse of the future, seems too lucrative to let go of. But I’d like to raise some concerns regarding the repercussions of such an object of wonderment.

First

What happens to my present when I go back in the past or dive into the future? Does it stop? Because if it does, then it would go against one of the basic doctrines of life; that life goes on. Moreover, what would happen if I were to get contentment in my past or enjoyment in the luxuries of my future and decide to stay back (or ahead)? Will my present languish in inertia for eternity?

And if my present continues, as I go back and forth in time, who is going to live it? Will there be a provision for a clone or an android to do my daily chores while I indulge in my time escapades?  Will the clone have the powers to take decisions of daily life on my behalf? If no, then you need to understand that such a decision-less existence wouldn’t last for long. If yes, then am I expected to bear the ramifications of the decisions of an artificial intelligence?

Second

In case I decide to tweak my past to get a perfect present or tweak the present to align with a perfect future; will these changes in past, present and future be restricted just to my individual life? I have always believed that I share a collective and cohesive existence with everyone else around me. My present is linked with theirs and vice versa. So if I change my past, present or future, then it has to change theirs too, right? What if they are not happy with the changes being introduced?

And if my past, present or future were to change in isolation, then I fail to understand what the point would be in making these changes? The loved ones I resurrect from the past will be for my eyes only. The misery that I foresee in the future will still affect the lives of my loved ones. I will end up enjoying my joys alone and still grieve the sorrows of the world around me. I don’t think that even a “see only” concept will work on time machines. Why would I want to see my past and not do anything about it or see my future and not want to change my present accordingly?

Life has given us time and has divided it into three parts; past, present and future, for a good reason. We are expected to forgive and forget our past, work and love sincerely in the present and hope steadfastly for the future. There is really no point in mixing these three things. I have no doubts in your intelligence or capabilities, but there are some things that are just not meant to be. I am sorry for breaking this sad truth to you like this.

In light of all these concerns, I’d suggest that you shelve this adventure of making a time machine. It would just not be worth it; in fact it might end up costing more than what we can afford.

Sincerely yours,

Krishnamurthi Kumar