“The present is the only thing that has no end” – Liminality of Space-time in Robert Lanza’s and Nancy Kress’s Observer

Abstract

The paper examines the representation of the liminality of space-time in Observer (2023), a novel by Robert Lanza and Nancy Kress, through the lens of biocentrism, Lanza’s controversial theory asserting that consciousness shapes physical reality. The study situates its inquiry within the broader context of discussions on the intersections of science, philosophy, and literature, focusing on how the novel’s narrative conveys biocentrism’s implications for understanding space-time. Drawing on narrative techniques such as heterodiegetic narration and free indirect discourse, the analysis explores how the protagonist, neurobiologist Caro, progressively embraces a biocentric worldview. This transformation underscores the theory’s foundational claim that consciousness creates space-time and resonates with concepts in quantum physics, as articulated by figures like Erwin Schrödinger and Stephen Hawking. The article highlights the novel’s portrayal of time as an illusion and presence as a liminal state navigating between past and future. Through its characters and their experiences, Observer presents space-time as a fluid, transitional realm, with each moment imbued with transformative potential. The findings suggest that the narrative effectively embodies biocentrism’s principles, illustrating the dynamic interplay between consciousness and the perception of reality. Ultimately, the study concludes that the novel offers a compelling literary exploration of the liminal nature of space-time, positioning consciousness as the pivotal agent in shaping the fabric of existence.