The Mysteries of the Universe: A Quest for Fundamental Understanding

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The discussion centers on the desire to study theoretical physics, particularly in fundamental areas like string theory and quantum gravity, contrasting with a lack of interest in applied fields such as condensed matter or medical physics. The individual expresses self-doubt regarding their mathematical abilities and fears that they may not contribute significantly to the field, questioning the value of pursuing a career in theoretical physics if they feel they might not excel. Concerns about the validity of current theories like string theory and loop quantum gravity add to their apprehension about entering the field. The conversation touches on the emotional struggle of finding one's purpose in life and acknowledges that many people discover their passions through exploration rather than having a clear path from the outset. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of assessing opportunities and making informed decisions despite uncertainties.
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If you ask most people why they study physics, it is to understand the inner most workings of the universe. That is why i want to study theoretical physics. Yet why do people want to study Condensed matter/optics/medical physics? These areas do not provide me with the desire to do physics, infact, if those were my only choice of physics, i would quit the subject all together!
The thing is my interest lies in fundamental topics, such as mathematical physics: String theory or LPQ, QFT and so on. I want to help determine the laws of quantum gravity. Yet i question how proficient i would be in the field. I am terrible at mathematical competitions, and i find mathematics for mathematics sake tiring! Its not that i do not like math, its just that i seem to suck at it. I am not so interested in solving number theory problems as being practical. When i try and teach myself advanced math, i am slow and make little progress. I have come to the conclusion i am not the next witten/hawking/greene let alone einstein. Should i still enter the field? NOTE: I am not interested in astrophysics (non mathematical or particle), optics, quantum computing or condensed matter. I am only interested in understanding the most fundamental laws of the universe. It would make me feel powerful. I do not want to be an experimentalist, as i find their work too practical for my abilities (i still think they are as important as theorists) I am more of a thinker than engineer. Is it worth entering the fundamental sphere if i think i have a low chance of really contributing? I mean i would like to learn the most critical laws of the universe, but i doubt i would contribute to the extent of being a first class physicist, i would be a lower class second :(

Theoretical physics is my only interest. If i did not make it i would probably become a quant, coder, but i doubt i would really enjoy it! Liberal arts are pointless majors and teach you nothing about the universe. Engineering is too practical and Finance/business students are greedy go getters. I want to be a thinker, I WANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW AND WHY THE UNIVERSE WORKS THE WAY IT DOES! But i hear string theory is "wrong" and LQG too "unmainstream" to be hired. What is the point of studying these topics if they end up being wrong! What if i die before a unified theory is created? I would die ignorant!
Should i aim for these areas?
Is it true that quantum gravity is only for the best of the best?
Should i just give up if i am not really going to contribute?
If so, what do i do with my life?
 
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What a strange post! You appear to be saying that you cannot understand how other people could possibly be interested in something you are interested in. Frankly it sounds like a serious emotional problem. Asperger's syndrome? Autistic spectrum disorder?
 
Most people aren't born with a clear purpose in life. They discover their passions at some point in life through a process of exploration.

Can you do it without risk? No.

The trick is to assess the opportunities you have and make the best decision you can at the time.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...

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