Thought Exercise: The Time Machine Options

[kryogenix]

(Here's a thought exercise that I came up with, reposted from my blog)

A time traveler materializes in your room. He bestows upon you a time machine, which you are free to use- with a catch: the time machine can turn the clock forward or backwards exactly 2 years. Afterwards, the time machine will have run out of fuel and will no longer be useful. Also, going back in time will not result in the time traveler returning once 2 years has elapsed. Once you have made your time shift, you are free to live your life, whether in the past, or in the future.

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I’m not really sure what I’d do. Being able to go back in time would be rather great, as I’d be unable to undo all my mistakes. However, having to relive those two years is not something I’m particularly dying to do. I can barely make it through a 50 minute class without dying of boredom. Having to redo 2 years worth of school would be insufferable. Perhaps it would help me out in the long run, but I’m not sure I can put up with that suffering again, when success is not even guaranteed.

On the otherhand, going to the future sounds pretty exciting. I’d have graduated. I’ll be older, wiser and more experienced. However, there’s no way I’ll know what life will be like in 2 years. I’m afraid that if I were to skip 2 years, I’ll wind up in a situation that I don’t like, that I had no control over, and have no opportunity to change. It’s a shot in the dark, and I’m not sure if it’s worth the risk.

What would you do if presented with this decision?