Physics has three fundamental theories that need to be unified—a challenge that scientists refer to as the quest for the ‘Theory of Everything.’

I developed a passion for Physics long after leaving school, but once I did, I found it incredibly fascinating.

Physics is a domain that other fields of knowledge have long admired, if not envied. While other disciplines often grapple with dissonance, conflict, and unresolved debates over fundamental theories and definitions, Physics has achieved some truly spectacular successes.

Centuries ago, Newton’s Laws not only explained the motion of objects on Earth but also the movement of celestial bodies, offering a framework that seemed to apply universally.

This kind of all-encompassing theory is something that other fields could only dream of.

However, Physics took a more humble turn when Einstein came along. His Special and General Theories of Relativity reshaped our understanding, challenging Newton’s views on gravity and revealing the intricate fabric of spacetime. Yet, even after this revolutionary shift, Physics maintained its lead, continuing to push the boundaries of our understanding.

Then came Quantum Theory, introducing a whole new paradigm within Physics. It brought us into the bizarre world of subatomic particles, where the rules are unlike anything we experience in our everyday lives.

The great challenge for Physics today lies in reconciling these three pillars: Newton’s theory of gravitation, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and Quantum Theory. The ultimate goal, often referred to as the “Theory of Everything,” is to find a single, unified framework that can encompass all these theories.

I refer to it lovingly as the Three Theory Problem 😄

As I have learned more and more about the three irreconciling theories in Physics, two phenomenon have stood out myseriously for me. Things that are quite popularly discussed, widely used – are not even technical terms – but I think are poorly understood. And I do not think they are even what they seem to be.

What are these two phenomenon which seem so fascinating and mysterious for me.

The phenomena are:
Time
&
Light

I have always felt that something is not quite right about time and light. They are masquerading as something they are not and are pretending to be something else, when they are actually some other entity entirely.

Will share these reflections soon.