“The universe is governed by science. But science tells us that we can’t solve the equations, directly in the abstract.”
- January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018
- British
- Theoretical physicist, science writer
- Announced the black hole singularity theorem and Hawking radiation, and contributed to the popularization of science with his book “Talking about the Universe”
Quote
“The universe is governed by science. But science tells us that we can’t solve the equations, directly in the abstract.”
Explanation
In this statement, Stephen Hawking touches on the limitations of science in understanding the full complexity of the universe. While the laws of physics—from quantum mechanics to general relativity—are fundamental to the way the universe operates, solving the equations that govern these phenomena is not always straightforward or even possible in an abstract sense. Hawking acknowledges the power of science to explain the universe but also emphasizes the practical limitations that arise when we attempt to apply these equations to real-world situations or complex systems.
This statement speaks to a key challenge in modern physics: while the theoretical framework of science provides a roadmap, the equations that describe the universe are often too complex or too abstract to solve completely. For example, even in the case of general relativity, solving Einstein’s equations for large systems, such as the dynamics of galaxies or the evolution of the universe, requires approximations and computational models. In some cases, the equations cannot be solved exactly at all, particularly when quantum mechanics and gravity intersect, such as near a black hole singularity or during the Big Bang.
Hawking’s words also highlight an ongoing challenge in physics: the quest for a unified theory—a single framework that combines general relativity and quantum mechanics. While the equations of both theories are successful in their own domains, they break down when we try to merge them into a single theory of everything. The abstract nature of these equations means that understanding the universe requires not just solving equations, but also making sense of them in a practical way—often relying on approximations, simulations, and a deep understanding of complex systems. This paradoxical nature of science—where it governs the universe but also limits our ability to fully solve its mysteries—is part of what makes the field so dynamic and intriguing.
