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Even if there is only one possible unified theory, it is just a set of rules and equations. What is it that breathes fire into the equations and makes a universe for them to describe? The usual approach of science of constructing a mathematical model cannot answer the questions of why there should be a universe for the model to describe. Why does the universe go to all the bother of existing?

Stephen Hawking#34

ScienceLifeUniverseMathematicsMath

About this quote

What does it mean?
Mathematical models describe the universe but cannot explain why the universe exists. Science cannot answer why equations manifest into a reality.
In plain terms
Equations describe the universe but can't explain why it exists.
What can you take from it?
Recognize science's limits in explaining existence itself.

Where it applies

  • philosophical questions
  • scientific discussion
  • exploring limits

Putting it to work

  • discuss philosophy of science
  • explore metaphysics

Questions to consider

  • Why does anything exist?
  • What is beyond science?

Another view

Science may not answer existential questions.

More from Stephen Hawking

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  2. If we do discover a complete theory, it should in time be understandable in broad principle by everyone, not just a few scientists. Then we shall all, philosop…

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  3. Just like a computer, we must remember things in the order in which entropy increases. This makes the second law of thermodynamics almost trivial. Disorder inc…

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