Chapter 1: The Cosmic Perspective

What does our universe resemble when viewed through the lens of an astronomer? Astronomers venture into the depths of space, observing the planets and galaxies that populate our familiar sky. This exploration parallels the work of quantum physicists, who examine the molecules and electrons that make up our physical reality. However, merely witnessing the wonders of the cosmos does not necessarily translate into a sense of awe in everyday life.

In a fascinating twist, while the universe is boundlessly expansive, the microscopic world of atoms, molecules, and electrons is equally vast. Both extremes represent infinity—a concept symbolizing boundlessness. Consequently, whether we consider the grand scale of the cosmos or the intricate details of the atomic world, researchers may find themselves feeling disillusioned, as profound discoveries seem elusive. The infinite expanses and the infinitesimal realms can feel hollow, leaving the tangible reality of our daily lives as the only certainty. Thus, despite the marvels of scientific inquiry, scientists continue to engage with the world around them authentically.

The captivating relationship between the immense and the minuscule often surfaces in popular science literature. Vivid illustrations in physics textbooks depict that from the largest cosmic radius (10^N) to the smallest particle radius (10^-N), it resembles a snake consuming its own tail. When we scrutinize the atomic and electron levels, we are often struck by their similarities to galaxies and star systems, where elliptical formations orbit in accordance with specific laws. Such reflections manifest only at the extremes; the realm in between lacks recognizable patterns. This leads us to a worldview where our tangible experience exists in the middle, flanked by the invisible realms of the infinitely large and small.

In this evident cosmic structure, we can discern an interplay between these two extremes. One might boldly speculate that a mechanism exists, whereby as we pursue knowledge in one direction—whether through exploring the universe or studying subatomic particles—we inadvertently trigger a reciprocal movement toward the other extreme. In essence, as humanity journeys beyond Earth to explore the cosmos, we might unknowingly step into the domain of electrons due to this interplay! Similarly, when the Hubble telescope observes the distant galaxies, we could be entering a space shaped by this mechanism, seeing the micro-world of electrons unfold before us. The more we seek the vastness, the more we are drawn into the microscopic realm, often without realization, and vice versa.

This theory, while unprecedented in historical discourse, offers a mystical conjecture that can elucidate numerous phenomena. This mechanism of interplay deceives humanity, compelling us to explore the infinite expanses and minute details, reminiscent of the obsessive behaviors seen in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Consider the common refrain: “The universe is so immense; we are mere specks on Earth, and Earth itself is just a dot in the galaxy, which is a mere speck in the vast universe.” Similarly, someone with OCD might think, “Cleaning my home is an overwhelming task; wiping this doorknob once is just a fraction of the countless times I will have to clean it, and this doorknob is merely a part of the thousands of items to clean in my house.”

While this article may provoke counterarguments, it is vital to recognize that language serves as a nuanced tool for explanation and illumination. I hope the ideas presented are understood in their context rather than being distracted by the tools used for their conveyance. The universe presents a paradox: when we stretch our understanding toward either the infinitely large or small, it begins to mislead us, drawing our focus toward the opposite end of this dichotomy and creating an illusion of infinite possibility. Why is this sense of boundlessness deceptive? Even with the infinitely small, despite our ability to endlessly subdivide particles, a substance composed of countless atomic electrons remains a finite entity. Thus, the infinite ends may actually be finite! What we perceive as the infinitely large is, in fact, a mirage.

This raises the question: why does this interplay mechanism exist? Much like the question of gravity, this remains unanswered. We can only affirm its presence and suggest that instead of pondering its origin, it might be more beneficial to explore its implications and the insights it offers us. The contrast between individuals with OCD, who view their cleaning tasks as infinite, and our own perceptions highlights how perspective shapes our understanding. While we may consider ourselves “normal” compared to those with OCD, we might also be compelled by a higher cognitive framework. This perspective transcends the simplistic binaries of infinite versus finite, large versus small, and numerous versus few.

Comprehending this viewpoint may be challenging, much like how those with OCD might struggle to grasp the notion that “cleaning a door is not infinite.” Acknowledging that self-soothing phrases like “all is empty” and “everything is false” hold truth at this level is crucial. We, standing in a realm of normalcy, perceive the “endless cleaning of doors” as an illusion.

Despite recognizing the deceptive nature of reality due to the interplay mechanism, breaking free from this illusion remains a challenge. We will always inhabit this illusion since our understanding of the world relies on these “false” appearances. Thus, rather than becoming entangled in the universe's enigmatic ways, we should harness the interplay mechanism between the infinitely large and small to understand the pervasive binary divisions within our reality. This approach not only enriches our daily lives, positioned between the extremes, but also enables us to grasp the universe's deeper truths.

The first video, "What If Our Universe Is An Atom?" explores the fascinating idea that our universe might be akin to an atom, inviting viewers to consider the implications of such a perspective.

The second video, "Why Is Everything Made Of Atoms?" delves into the fundamental building blocks of matter, providing insights into the atomic nature of our existence.