Space and time Quote by Lee Smolin
““This tells us that M theory, if it exists, cannot describe a world in which space os continuous and one can pack an infinite amount of information into any volume, no matter how small. This suggests that whatever it is, M theory will not be some direct extension of string theory, as it will have to be formulated in a different conceptual language. The present formulation of string theory is likely, then, to be a transitional stage in which elements of a new physics are mixed up with the old Newtonian framework, according to which space and time are continuous, infinitely divisible and absolute. The problem that remains is to separate out the old from new and find a coherent way to formulate a theory using only those principles that are supported by the experimental physics of ghe twentieth and twenty-first.centuries.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Future of Physics, 2015
M theory likely cannot assume continuous space or infinite information density; it must be reformulated with discrete, experimentally grounded concepts.
In simple terms: M theory must move beyond continuous space ideas
Key Takeaway
Rethink physics with discrete foundations.
Themes
physics
theory
continuity
information
foundations
Mood
curious
analytical
speculative
Type
scientific
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- high‑energy research
- cosmology
- education
- policy
- philosophy of science
Key Concepts
quantum gravity
discreteness
experimental constraints
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we test discreteness experimentally?
- What new language would replace continuity?
A Different Perspective
Current string theory may be a transitional model, not the final description.
