“There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.
There is another theory which states that this has already happened.”
― Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
"Physics does not, at least in my opinion, deal with what is 'real' or with what something is 'really like.' The reason, I suppose, is some combination of (1) One does not know how to effectively attack such questions. (2) One does not know what sort of thing would represent an answer. (3) These questions are too hard."
― Robert Geroch, General Relativity From A to B
"But if physical science is never to come to an exhaustive knowledge of its object, then does not this seem like reducing all science to a meaningless activity? Not at all. For it is just this striving forward that brings us to the fruits which are always falling into our hands and which are the unfailing sign that we are on the right road and that we are ever and ever drawing nearer to our journey's end. But that journey's end will never be reached, because it is always the still far thing that glimmers in the distance and is unattainable. It is not the possession of truth, but the success which attends the seeking after it, that enriches the seeker and brings happiness to him."
― Max Planck, Where is Science Going?
Theoretical Physics, in my opinion, is the most challenging subject in existence. I am sure some mathematicians may argue that Pure Mathematics might be able to compete but I really have to disagree. I will be in a better position to settle the debate after obtaining a PhD in both fields later in life but until then I am going to have to side with the Physicists. The mathematics is rigorous and difficult with the added trouble of having to match up any created theory with experiment. A successful new theory has to not only describe present scientific facts better than an older theory but it also has to make predictions which can be proven by experiment.
My passion lies primarily in the search for The Theory of Everything. Now I don't say the attainment, just the pursuit of said theory for this is where happiness lies for the true scientist. There are two major physical theories which describe very different parts of the universe quite accurately but are not compatible with each other. General Relativity involves gravity, cosmology, and the continuous while Quantum Mechanics involves the other three forces, particle physics, and the discrete. My primary interest is in a field called Quantum Gravity which is a cohesive integration of the two theories. I am also interested in Quantum Foundations which I believe offers the promise of a better way of understanding the quantum world. I also believe that the continuous nature of General Relativity will have to be made discrete before any progress can be made in reconciling the two paradigms.
One theory which I would like to mention is String Theory or M Theory. This is a mathematically beautiful theory which is the leading candidate for a theory of Quantum Gravity. I personally believe that the answer cannot lie solely in String Theory due to its lack of experimentally verifiable predictions. This remains to be seen however and it will take many years of research and mathematical education before I am prepared to make a firm judgement. However, this last quote sums up my view on theory as it relates to experiment.
“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”
― Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories
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