All articles tagged with #existence
Evolutionary biologist Sean B. Carroll explains that the probability of individual human existence is about one in 70 trillion, emphasizing how contingent and unlikely our presence on Earth is, shaped by a series of improbable events across cosmic, geological, and biological scales.
The article explores five critical coincidences that have made life possible in our Universe. These include a photon-rich early Universe that prevented all hydrogen from fusing into helium, a significant matter-antimatter asymmetry that left more matter than antimatter, the existence of dark matter which helps hold galaxies together, the Hoyle state of carbon that allows for the formation of life-friendly elements, and the stability of protons which ensures the persistence of normal matter. Without these conditions, the Universe would likely be lifeless.
The number 42, famously cited as the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything in Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," has intriguing connections to various aspects of existence. From mathematical properties to human life experiences, and even to the fate of the universe, 42 appears in diverse contexts. Notably, it is linked to the Hubble Constant, a measure of the universe's expansion rate, with modern estimates aligning with this enigmatic number.
The question of why there is something instead of nothing is one that science may never be able to answer. While science can explain how we got here and the processes that led to the existence of matter, stars, galaxies, and life, it cannot provide a purpose or reason for why the Universe exists. Science has its limitations, and there are fundamental questions about the nature of the Universe, such as the matter-antimatter asymmetry and the origin of fundamental constants, that remain unanswered. Ultimately, the reason for the existence of something rather than nothing is unknown, and science can only offer explanations based on what we observe and understand.
Astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan explains that black holes, despite their mysterious nature, offer valuable life lessons. Lesson one is to push the limits even when others doubt you, as physicist Karl Schwarzschild did when he discovered the first solution for how mass creates gravitational force. Lesson two is that reputation isn't everything, as black holes are not just destructive entities but also creators that shape galaxies. Lesson three is to do your thing, whether people understand you or not, as black holes have existed for billions of years without being directly seen. Natarajan emphasizes that just because you may not be seen, it doesn't mean you're not important or playing a significant role in the cosmic ecosystem.