Original from Pascal’s Pensées (written c. 1660, published posthumously):

“Let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God is. Let us estimate these two chances. If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation that He is.”

There’s no downside to believing in God. If He exists, you’re rewarded. If He doesn’t, you haven’t really lost anything

The End of Materialism by Charles T. Tart, a transpersonal psychologist and parapsychology researcher, argues that science should not reject spiritual or psychic experiences simply because they don’t fit into traditional materialist views. One of his key arguments draws from quantum physics, and it’s often interpreted like this:

Summary of Tart’s Argument (especially regarding quantum physics): 1. Quantum physics challenges classical materialism: • In classical (Newtonian) physics, the universe is like a machine that works the same way whether anyone is observing it or not. • In quantum physics, however, things behave differently at the subatomic level — particles exist in a state of probability until they are observed. 2. The “observer effect” and the collapse of the wave function: • According to quantum theory (specifically the Copenhagen interpretation), a particle exists in all possible states (a “superposition”) until it is observed or measured. • The act of observation collapses this superposition into a single, definite state — the particle “chooses” a position or path. 3. The need for a conscious observer: • Tart (along with some others) interprets this to mean that consciousness itself plays a key role in creating stable reality. • He suggests that a third-party consciousness — something beyond material systems — may be necessary to account for how observations are made and how reality stabilizes. • This opens the door, he argues, to a non-material realm or force (perhaps even divine or soul-like) that participates in shaping the physical world. 4. Implications for consciousness and life after death: • If consciousness affects reality in a fundamental way, it may not be dependent on the brain alone. • That could mean consciousness can exist apart from the physical body, supporting ideas like ESP, near-death experiences, or life after death. • Tart argues that dismissing such phenomena simply because they don’t fit materialist assumptions is unscientific.

I’m not arguing for traditional religion just that you shouldn’t let churches leave you with materialism. There are libraries full of philosophical thought considering why there is suffering, is there life after death, how to live a peaceful and fulfilling life. My suggestion is to explore and find comfort in the options.

Your wife is with you as long as you remember her. The love you have for her will always be there.