Summary

This isn't a scientific paper or article but actually a book written by the theoretical physicist Michio Kaku. One of the recurring themes I encountered at the NASA Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Workshop was the necessity for a quantum theory of gravitation. This book beautifully explains why a Grand Unified Theory (GUT) that combines quantum physics and general gravity is so important for any future developments in the physical sciences. The author himself is a proponent of Superstring Theory (one of the candidates for a GUT) and argues convincingly how the SST simplifies and unifies all the forces in nature by taking physics into the dizzying yet beautiful expanses of ten dimensional space, where only geometry itself is the fundamental principle on which all other physical laws can be based. Since this is a "popular science" publication, I'll break with my usual policy of withholding my personal opinion on the validity or value a publication: I found the book as entertaining as educational and whole heartedly recommend it to anybody else interested in the subject of higher dimensions. While many of the thoughts put forward by the author are certainly still controversial, and carry the particular flavor of his personal convictions, his book took me to regions of physics, and the human intellect previously unknown to me. The very last sentence especially reflects the authors contagious enthusiasm for the wonders these n-dimensional worlds:

Some people seek meaning in life through personal gain, through personal relationships, or through personal experiences. However, it seems to me that being blessed with the intellect to divine the ultimate secrets of nature gives meaning enough to life.

Abstract

none available.

Paper