Thermodynamics, Newtonian Physics, and Quantum Mechanics in Human Relationships

When we think of human relationships, concepts like love, trust, and sincerity come to mind. But have you ever considered their similarities to the laws of physics? Thermodynamics, Newtonian physics, and even quantum mechanics aim to answer the question, “What is really happening?” Can these frameworks be applied to relationships? At the very least, highlighting the common ground between them could offer a fresh perspective both to those immersed in physics and those engaged in human relationships. After all, like everything else, human relationships are also subject to the laws of energy, motion, and interaction.

Let’s remember an important distinction here: We generally perceive the world through the lens of Newtonian laws and thermodynamics because they align better with our sensory experiences. However, this does not mean that quantum physics does not exist. In reality, all these laws are interconnected, just like human relationships. From a broader (or much closer) perspective, quantum physics is always at play, but we often prefer to explain things in terms that fit within our perceptual framework. This is similar to how we navigate human relationships—by managing interactions based not just on the actual message and its effects but also on how it is perceived.

Newton’s Laws

Newton’s First Law (Law of Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. In human relationships, maintaining or changing a relationship requires effort. Otherwise, over time, it may become stagnant and eventually break apart. While this is true at a visible level, at a microscopic level, all systems are in constant vibration. Subconscious interactions may last much longer than we realize.
Newton’s Second Law (Force and Acceleration, F=ma): The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force applied to it. Similarly, in relationships, the more effort you invest, the more direction and development the relationship gains. However, this progression depends on the magnitude and direction of the effort applied.
Newton’s Third Law (Action-Reaction Law): Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
If you give love, you generally receive love in return. If you spread negative energy, you often get negativity back.

Thermodynamics

First Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Energy): Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it only transforms into different forms. The effort invested in relationships does not disappear; it returns in some form. Sometimes the return is not direct but indirect. However, not all efforts yield results according to Newton’s Second Law. This is where quantum mechanics comes in. Energy transfer in relationships is not only physical but also mental and emotional. Sometimes, our feelings toward someone can continue to affect them even without their awareness. The influence of dimensions beyond our perception should not be ignored.
Second Law of Thermodynamics (Increase in Entropy): In a closed system, disorder (entropy) always increases. No relationship remains unchanged. Misunderstandings, emotional shifts, and new interactions constantly come into play. If you want to maintain a relationship, you need to introduce external energy into the system. In quantum systems, even observation can alter entropy. Similarly, in relationships, the way you value and perceive someone influences how that relationship evolves.
Third Law of Thermodynamics (Unattainability of Absolute Zero): A system’s entropy stops at absolute zero, but reaching absolute zero is impossible. In human relationships, absolute closure or total detachment is also impossible. Even if we think we have cut off communication with someone, our shared history, memories, and subconscious connections persist. Just as quantum particles are never completely motionless, the human mind and soul are never entirely disconnected.

Quantum Mechanics

Some human relationships are so complex that classical physics alone cannot explain them.

Superposition: In quantum mechanics, a system can exist in multiple states simultaneously.
Can you feel both close and distant to someone at the same time? Yes! Emotions can exist in a superposition. You can be angry at someone while still missing them. You can experience success while feeling sadness because a loved one who passed away cannot witness it (bittersweet joy).
Entanglement: Two or more particles can be quantum-entangled, meaning they remain connected and affect each other instantaneously, regardless of distance. Sometimes, even when physically apart from someone, you can intuitively sense their emotions. This is similar to quantum entanglement, where two particles remain connected despite being separated.
Observer Effect: In quantum systems, measuring a system causes it to collapse from a state of superposition into a single defined state. Similarly, human emotions become more defined when observed. In moments of bittersweet joy, a person might initially experience both emotions simultaneously, but under observation, they tend to express only one, such as suppressing their sadness and showing happiness instead. Just like quantum particles, emotions settle into a specific state when observed.

Neither relationships can fully be explained by physics nor can physics entirely describe relationships. However, given the way the human brain processes information, the methods we use to describe matter, energy, and relationships show striking similarities. These analogies can be expanded further.

Understanding often involves framing concepts within the limits of our perception. Using mental models to learn new things has always been a helpful approach. For example, when learning history, we structure events along a timeline and a map to better grasp continuity.

That’s why you should observe. Whether it’s a scientific field like physics or a more abstract domain like human relationships, observe, model, map, and question everything.

Oh, and one more thing—don’t rely solely on physics when navigating your relationships! 😊