Classic experiments involving photons passing through adjacent slits show that the fate of the photons beyond the slit is determined by whether or not they have been observed while passing through the slits. This is the “Observer Effect,” and is fundamental to the differences between Newtonian Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics.

This effect has been studied extensively, and the concepts of Observer and Observation are important throughout quantum mechanics. Among the questions are what qualifies as an “Observer” and what qualifies as an “Observation?” These questions are addressed here, and the concept of “Intensification of Reality’ is explored. Accordingly, the intensification of reality imposed by heavenly bodies and grains of sand is low, whereas the intensification of reality by cells, especially neurons, is much higher. It is suggested that intensification of reality may be a force of nature that has influenced the evolution of highly organized cells and systems and helps to explain how living systems have become highly organized despite having to swim against the inexorable increase of entropy throughout the universe.