How can we even exist? We cannot begin from nothingness

The concept of existence remains one of the most profound and intriguing questions in philosophy and science. The idea that the universe could come from nothingness raises the challenge of causality. Can there truly be a beginning that is not caused by something else? The existence of zero, 0, provides a unique perspective on this conundrum.

Zero as a Starting Point

Zero (0) is a symbol that represents nothingness, but it is from this nothingness that something can originate, and so can its negative counterpart. This means that 1 and -1, 2 and -2, or any number and its negative, can come into existence. In mathematical terms, 0 is the result of 1–1, 2–2, and so on. If a thing and its antimatter counterpart are separate, they cannot annihilate each other and revert to zero. This concept challenges the traditional notion of causality and prompts us to consider whether the universe could have existed infinitely or whether it simply began at some point.

Finite or Infinite Past

Whether the past was finite or infinite, the universe cannot have a "before" in the traditional sense. In other words, if the past is infinite, the universe would have existed infinitely into the past, and the origin of the universe would not be an issue. On the other hand, if the past is finite, the universe would have an initial state that is uncaused, making it the start of everything. This suggests that either way, the problem of explaining the universe in terms of causes is not necessarily an issue.

The Role of Questions

Questions themselves do not imply answers or conclusions. Instead, they serve as the starting point for our minds to seek patterns and meaningful solutions. Existence itself is a collection of questions that our intuition seeks to answer, leading to further inquiries and discoveries. The act of asking questions is the foundation of knowledge, science, and innovation.

Empirical Evidence for a Beginning

The Big Bang theory, which posits that the universe started as a 'hot dense state,' remains the most widely accepted scientific explanation for the origin of the universe. This theory has been supported by numerous pieces of evidence, such as the cosmic microwave background radiation and the abundance of light elements in the universe. However, the concept of a "nothingness" preceding the universe does not have empirical evidence. The Bible, while speaking of a creation ex nihilo, does not state that there was ever complete nothingness. Instead, it mentions God and his angels existing before the creation of the Earth, and the act of creation involves moving over waters that were already present.

Despite these religious interpretations, the scientific community does not have definitive proof of a true "nothingness" preceding the universe. Theories and hypotheses can be tested and refined through empirical methods, but the ultimate answer to the puzzle of existence remains a mystery that continues to challenge our understanding.

Existence is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses both the physical and metaphysical. As we continue to explore and question, we may find new insights into the nature of the universe and our place within it.