We propose a theoretical framework in which the universe does not admit a terminal equilibrium state. The framework is based on the interplay between vacuum transitions, gravitational entropy, and the emergence of time. We argue that metastable vacuum structures generically lead to ongoing transitions, preventing the realization of a final equilibrium configuration. As a consequence, entropy does not converge to a strict maximum but continues to evolve dynamically.
Akio Sato (Tue,) studied this question.