NEW YORK CITY – In a world where connections seem as unpredictable as quantum particles, Eric Markowitz explores the intricate tapestry of life and legacy through the lens of quantum physics.
Immediate Impact
Eric Markowitz, a partner at Nightview Capital, delves into the philosophy of long-term thinking in his latest essay for Big Think Business. His exploration of life’s hidden patterns illuminates how seemingly random events can weave together to form a meaningful narrative.
The Strange Coincidence
Years ago, Markowitz discovered a peculiar coincidence: his great-grandparents lived across the street from his wife’s ancestors in Lower Manhattan. Despite the geographic distance and decades separating their families, he and his wife met in a bar just blocks from where their ancestors once resided.
Entangled Lives
Markowitz draws a parallel to quantum entanglement, where particles remain connected regardless of distance. He suggests that our lives, too, exhibit this “spooky action at a distance,” as described by Einstein.
“You think of someone, and they call. You follow a hunch, and it leads to a long-lost connection.”
Key Details Emerge
Markowitz argues that building meaningful work requires more than linear planning. Success may depend on attuning to the subtle links binding our stories, much like quantum particles.
From Goals to Systems
While goals are tangible and trackable, Markowitz emphasizes the importance of systems—practices and routines that yield value over time. He argues that systems foster resilience against outcome volatility.
“Systems don’t ask, ‘Did I win?’ They ask, ‘Did I improve? Did I learn?’”
Designing for Possibility
Markowitz encourages a strategic mindset that embraces multiple futures rather than clinging to a single plan. This approach involves diversifying experiments and building buffers to navigate disruptions.
Nonlocal Impact
Drawing from quantum theory’s nonlocality, Markowitz reflects on legacy. He suggests that influence moves like water, seeping into cracks and carrying memory downstream.
“A small product, barely noticed at first, becomes the cornerstone of a movement a decade later.”
What Comes Next
Markowitz concludes by urging readers to live attentively and make peace with uncertainty. He believes that the quantum long game is about staying in motion, entangled with the world’s rhythms.
As Markowitz eloquently puts it, “The long game isn’t about control. It’s about staying in motion—entangled, aware, and open.”
