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

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

String theory is the most developed theory with the capacity to unite general relativity and quantum mechanics in a consistent manner. I do believe the universe is consistent, and therefore I do believe that general relativity and quantum mechanics should be put together in a manner that makes sense.

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

But, as Einstein once said, “For we convinced physicists, the distinction between past, present, and future is only an illusion, however persistent.”5

Einstein's theory of relativity does a fantastic job for explaining big things. Quantum mechanics is fantastic for the other end of the spectrum - for small things.

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