The Wisest Man on Earth?

Full Title: The Wisest Man on Earth? Or; The Time Cube Theory

The Time Cube theory is one of the most infamous and baffling concepts to have emerged from the early internet. Created by Gene Ray in 1997, the Time Cube website presented a rambling, aggressive, and deeply unconventional worldview that claimed mainstream education and scientific understanding were fundamentally flawed. According to Ray, time itself did not operate as a single linear sequence but instead functioned as a cube with four simultaneous days occurring at once. He argued that conventional physics and academia were deliberately suppressing this truth, leading to what he called "educated stupidity."

The website, filled with erratic formatting, capitalised text, and obscure mathematical claims, became a cult fascination among internet users. While dismissed by mainstream science as incoherent pseudoscience, Time Cube developed a following, particularly among those drawn to conspiracy theories. Despite his rejection by academic institutions, Ray was adamant that he had discovered a great truth about the universe that the world refused to acknowledge. The site remained active for nearly two decades before disappearing from the internet, further deepening the mystery surrounding both the theory and its creator.

Plot

Gene Ray, an eccentric self-proclaimed genius, launched the Time Cube website in the late 1990s, a period when the internet was still in its early stages. His theories rejected conventional scientific thought and instead proposed an alternative understanding of time and reality. The fundamental claim of Time Cube was that a single rotation of the Earth does not produce one day but four separate days occurring simultaneously. He described these four days as "corners" of a cube, insisting that mainstream education had deceived humanity into believing in a singular, linear day.

Ray’s writings were characterised by aggressive language, erratic punctuation, and a disdain for conventional thinkers. He frequently accused teachers, scientists, and politicians of being part of a grand conspiracy to suppress the Time Cube truth. He encouraged students to challenge their professors and even visited educational institutions to present his ideas, though he was largely dismissed as incoherent.

One of the core tenets of Time Cube was the rejection of conventional mathematics and physics, which Ray believed were fraudulent constructs. He claimed that every human existed in a state of ignorance due to the failure of society to acknowledge the four-day reality. The complexity and structure of his arguments, however, were difficult to decipher, leading many to consider Time Cube less of a coherent theory and more of an elaborate, albeit unique, internet curiosity.

Into the Theories

A Misunderstood Theory:

One interpretation of Time Cube is that Gene Ray genuinely believed he had uncovered a revolutionary truth about time and space but struggled to communicate it effectively. Some proponents of alternative physics and philosophy argue that his ideas, while poorly presented, contained elements worth exploring. They suggest that the concept of multiple overlapping realities or time structures could align with certain fringe interpretations of quantum mechanics. However, due to the lack of coherent mathematical or scientific support, this theory remains largely speculative.

A Social Experiment:

Some internet users have speculated that Time Cube was never meant to be taken seriously and was instead a carefully designed hoax or social experiment. Given the chaotic nature of the website, its aggressive tone, and Ray’s refusal to engage in structured debate, some believe he was testing how people react to radical and incomprehensible ideas. This theory suggests that Time Cube was an elaborate satire of pseudoscience and conspiracy theories, designed to highlight how people can be drawn to ideas that seem to defy conventional logic.

Signs of Mental Decline:

A more controversial theory is that Gene Ray’s work on Time Cube was not the result of revolutionary thinking but rather an indication of severe psychological distress. Some have speculated that he may have suffered from a mental condition that contributed to his fixation on unconventional beliefs and his aggressive rejection of dissenting opinions. Supporters of this theory argue that the website’s increasingly erratic updates over the years, as well as Ray’s hostility towards academics and institutions, suggest paranoia or delusional thinking rather than a calculated attempt to spread a revolutionary idea. However, as Ray himself was never formally diagnosed, this remains speculative.

Why It's Shifty

Although there were bizarre claims and formatting, the Time Cube website captivated thousands of visitors and remains a subject of debate long after its disappearance. Some questions that remain unresolved include whether Ray genuinely believed in his theory or if it was part of a larger commentary on society. Also, while many have dismissed Time Cube as nonsensical, it still poses an interesting discussion about the nature of belief, alternative science, and the role of the internet in spreading unconventional ideas.

Then again, the removal of the website in the mid-2010s added an extra layer of mystery. While archived versions exist, the original site’s disappearance has led to speculation about whether it was taken down deliberately by Ray or if other parties intervened. Given that many early internet phenomena have since been preserved, the absence of Time Cube’s official site adds to its legend.

Conclusion

Among the various interpretations of Time Cube, the most possible explanation is that it was the work of an individual deeply convinced of his own ideas but lacking the means to clearly articulate them in a scientific framework. Ray’s hostility towards mainstream education and his insistence on his own genius suggest that he was more interested in challenging conventional thought than engaging in a structured discussion.

While the theory itself has no scientific basis, its legacy as an internet curiosity and a case study in extreme outsider theories endures. Ultimately, Time Cube serves as a reminder of the strange and often unfiltered ideas that the internet has enabled, making it a lasting part of online folklore.

Next Week: The Three Secrets of Fatima