The Schrodinger equation needs to be complex valued. The easiest way to represent the quantum state of the system is as a vector in a Hilbert space. You don't actually ever have to use complex numbers, you can always rephrase complex things in terms of real things. That's why we should be open to inspiration from many different sources.
Welcome to the March 2023 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number — based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the questions themselves are good — and sometimes group them together if they are about a similar topic. Enjoy!
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