A simple way to visualise non-linear time — the “ball of wool” model

[Roosters for ever]

I’m not actually leaning on the idea that reality only exists when observed, or that things like the moon pop in and out of existence. That’s one interpretation, but it's not mine. I've never liked that theory.

I'm with you and Einstein on that! But of course then we have the quote from Feynman (as it turned out) saying words to the effect that no one understands quantum mechanics. Isn't that what you are speculating in?

I’m not saying things only exist when looked at. I’m saying the underlying structure of reality might not be laid out in time at all.

So instead of:
things exist in time and we observe them

The explanation of time that I like is that of Sean Carrol...Sean Carroll explains time as a fourth dimension within a four-dimensional spacetime, serving as a coordinate to label events rather than a flowing substance. While fundamental physical laws do not distinguish past from future, the "arrow of time" flows forward due to rising entropy originating from the low-entropy,,

https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/blog/2013/10/18/is-time-real/

 

[Lumen]

I'll reply to this later this evening as I'm out tonight meanwhile check my latest thread as I am consolidating my thinking in one easy lump to answer I hope all questions re my own thoughts on the topic at least. And I'll check out your link.

A Trinity Framework: Linking Structure, Evolution, and Conscious Experience

So I was reading about radiation tolerant fungi, particularly the melanized species thriving in Chernobyl’s highly radioactive ruins. These fungi don’t just endure intense radiation, they grow toward it (radiotropism) and show increased biomass under nutrient stress. Their melanin appears to...

www.sciforums.com

 

[Pinball1970]

no one understands quantum mechanics

Physicists understand it. What no one can do is explain QM using classical concepts or explain why the universe behaves this way.

 

[Pinball1970]

consciousness turned out to be more fundamental than we currently assume.

Consciousness is a feature of brains and brains are not fundamental.

 

[Pinball1970]

I’m not actually leaning on the idea that reality only exists when observed

Copenhagen

That’s one interpretation, but it's not mine. I've never liked that theory.

Interpretation and theory are different things. There is one QT but with many interpretations.

 

[Pinball1970]

I think where I differ from you is that I’m not treating time as something produced by the brain comparing stored states.

One of the things I have noticed is that all the interesting things about time have not been mentioned in the thread.
Time is treated differently in QM to how it is in GR and this is a really big deal.
Everything in QM is described by operators acting on the wave function but time isn't.
In GR time is part of the structure, space time and is dynamic, it can be moved, stretched.