The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy in the universe (as a closed system) will increase. Put simply, the universe tends towards chaos and disorder. Upon reading this, one may experience some sort of negative feeling as one’s brain often associates disorder with negative emotions. Although, there is beauty in the process that is entropy. In-between complete order and complete disorder, artistry can be found.

To understand what I mean, you must first understand entropy. Let me provide an example of it. Imagine a deck of cards which is perfectly in order, fresh out of the box. Each time one shuffles this deck of cards, the distribution of the cards becomes more and more random. They move from a highly ordered state to a more disordered state. Thus, entropy is increasing as the positioning of a card becomes more difficult to predict.

The universe tends toward entropy. This means it has had a state in which it was least entropic and most ordered. This state took place directly after the Big Bang. The universe at that moment was largely different than the universe we (think) we know today. The universe at that moment lacked the matter which makes up everything in the current version of the universe, as it was extremely hot, dense, and was filled with energy. This was the most predictable and ordered state the universe was ever, and will ever, be in. The universe, from that moment on, was bound for a heat death. The heat death of the universe is a hypothesized complete end. In this heat death, all sources of heat have moved towards places with less energy. Therefore, it’s impossible for work to be done, as energy can’t be extracted. This means an end due to a state of maximum entropy being reached.

Both ends of this spectrum are extreme, harsh, unlivable environments. Both ends our species won’t see. However, in-between both ends, the perfect distribution of entropy and energy has molded a universe full of excitement. More specifically, entropy has aligned perfectly to allow for the creation of an inhabitable planet where life can flourish. We are one of many species who are the beneficiaries of this alignment. Additionally, we are the beneficiaries of another example of entropy at play: evolution. Disorder (genetic mutation) and order (carefully aligned genetic structure), have played into each other over an untold amount of time, with disorder inevitably prevailing. Genetic mutation has allowed for the transformation of predictable, less complex, cells into dynamic, complex organisms (humans).

Entropy touches everything around us. Entropy is beautiful because it is unbiased temperance. It is pre-determined by the laws of physics how much disorder life itself will entail. It is the balance between chaos and order. Entropy allows for the creation of novel organisms, structures, and matter. It allows for novel experience. it contributes to the complexity of beautiful systems. It is the beginning and it is the end. Entropy puts into perspective the intricacies and artistry which make up our universe.

There is beauty in the journey and majesty in-between the beginning and end.