In essence, we string theorists have been trying to work out the score of the universe, the harmonies of the universe, the mathematical vibrations that the strings would play. So musical metaphors have been with us in science since the beginning.

The real question is whether all your pondering and analyses will convince you that life is worth living. That's what it all comes down to.

I've seen children's eyes light up when I tell them about black holes and the Big Bang.

Physics grapples with the largest questions the universe presents. Where did the totality of reality come from? Did time have a beginning?

Nature's patterns sometimes reflect two intertwined features: fundamental physical laws and environmental influences. It's nature's version of nature versus nurture.

You should never be surprised by or feel the need to explain why any physical system is in a high entropy state.

I believe the process of going from confusion to understanding is a precious, even emotional, experience that can be the foundation of self-confidence.