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In summary, every physical substance in the universe without exception is
composed of a single substance, abstract energy. We all use energy and can
feel its impact on us. But no one can truly perceive it, because qualitatively,
it is so very different from our palpable physical reality. But what is it that
keeps the ever restless energy locked up in quanta we call particles?
Abstract fields!
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That’s a wonderful excerpt — it captures Mani Bhaumik’s style of weaving quantum field theory (abstract energy and fields) with cosmology (our vast place in the universe). Let me summarize and contextualize it for you:
Core Ideas in the Passage
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Everything is energy
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At the most fundamental level, every physical substance is made of a single substrate: abstract energy.
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What we experience as “matter” (solid, visible, tangible) is actually energy bound into quanta, called particles.
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Fields as the binding principle
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Energy doesn’t just float around; it is structured and constrained by fields.
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Quantum fields give form and identity to otherwise restless, shapeless energy — turning it into particles with definite mass, charge, and interactions.
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Cosmic Scale: Our Place in the Universe
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Bhaumik then zooms out from the quantum to the cosmic:
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Jupiter is “nearby” in astronomical terms, though 45 minutes away by light.
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Orion Nebula: ~1,400 years light-travel away.
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Andromeda Galaxy: 2.5 million light years away, our “nearby” large galaxy neighbor.
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These comparisons anchor human history (Gupta empire, Roman empire) against cosmic timescales, showing how vast and old the universe is.
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Scientific Context
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Abstract Energy → Quanta → Particles
This is QFT language:-
Energy itself is not “stuff” we can see.
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Fields lock energy into specific quanta → electrons, protons, photons, etc.
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That’s why we perceive a structured physical world instead of raw chaos.
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Cosmic Perspective
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Relativity + telescope observations let us see across time: looking far means looking into the past.
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Distances of nebulae and galaxies dwarf human history.
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This contrast is meant to inspire humility and awe.
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Philosophical/Spiritual Undercurrent
Bhaumik’s point is not only physics but meaning:
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The unity of energy (a single substance forming all particles and forces) resonates with Vedantic notions of one ultimate reality (Brahman).
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The vastness of the cosmos highlights our smallness, yet also our connection to it — since we are made of the same energy/fields as galaxies and stars.
👉 Would you like me to take this passage and create a chapter-style bullet gist + key takeaway quotes (like we did earlier) so you can have it neatly organized for study/reference?
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