The Mysteries of the Universe: A Quest for Fundamental Understanding

[Tensor_law]

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?

 

[HallsofIvy]

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?

 

[Choppy]

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.