Reading Is Dangerous

I was reading a book about philosophical mathematics about the multiverse, infinity and other "abstract" concepts. The book is called "The Infinite Book". The author (Dr. John D. Barrow) seemed to have no understanding of the basic laws of cause to effect despite being a professor of mathematics and theoretical physics at Cambridge.

He says: "If you were to meet your copy from a parallel universe, and that both of your pasts were completely identical, nothing says you should act as mirrors in front of the other. Both could have identical pasts but react differently to the encounter."

Well mister John D. Barrow. If both pasts are completely identical, every form of energy is mirrored within the other universe, meaning that the electrons in both brains are being mirrored because the causes to effect of both subjects are identical, and if one were to respond differently to the other, then their causes to effect are different, making your premise incorrect.

Now how the hell can someone with such a prestigious intellectual role make such an obvious philosophical mistake? Well, he's academic. Academia is not equal to intellect. Don't believe everything you read, even from such recognized people. You very well might end up being smarter than them on many aspects. Watch out and always question!