If strings are real, they are the smallest.
1) Is it possible that our "universe" is on some insanely massive scale combining with other "universes" to form some other even more insanely massive conglomerate, which, in turn, would combine with similar conglomerates to form yet something even bigger.. and up on so on and so forth?
Um, my understanding is that yes, other universes can collide with ours, in a very abstract sense, but I don't think they combine. In fact, one of the more popular big bang theories explains it as a 'collision' between two brains, on one of which is our universe.
In answer to your second question, if strings are real, then there really isn't anything but vibrating loops of energy, or, as the physicist on big thinkers put it: "Music playing in ten dimensional hyperspace'
__________________
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill
"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence
|