I read a story not that long a go, about how Google is testing D-Wave 2 quantum computer on verge here is the link.<p>http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/19/5824336/google-s-quantum-computer-just-flunked-its-first-big-test<p>This got me thinking of quantum computers in general, the next day I came across this story from the New York times about how scientist's reported
finding a reliable way of transferring data by quantum teleportation across 3 metres here is the link.<p>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/30/science/scientists-report-finding-reliable-way-to-teleport-data.html<p>This then got me thinking what if you had the quantum computer with the quantum teleportation and where able to send information not across a distance but to the past.<p>So instead of sending a person back in time like back to the future which will be extremely complex you just send 1's and 0's.<p>The best way to send those 1's and 0's would be an email.<p>So the earliest you could send it would be 1974 if your father worked for the military or worked at a University. Or when email became popular in 1990's. This means history can only be altered from this time on.<p>What would you send?
I have thought about this (well not specifically email but the thought experiment) and come to the conclusion it probably would not matter.<p>I was in Demon Internet from 97 to 02 and had several opportunities to just jump and start on my own. Perhaps with the right push I would have. But I am not sure an email (or more convincing in-person visit) would be the right push<p>I am not a natural entrepreneur - I am pushing myself to do this, and my younger self did not jump because of a raft of issues - not lack of knowledge that such things were possible<p>I am a little envious of today's post grads, in a world that almost expects them to go to SC and run a startup - and they are jealous of me having been in it when it was simple and easy.<p>Neither of us are right. And messages from the future should not change our personalities or our decisions anymore than non-temporally challenged advice from trusted friends