Chapter 1: The Promise of a Unified Theory

In the spring of 2021, The New Scientist, a prominent British publication, announced that renowned physicist Michio Kaku from the City University of New York would be delivering a virtual lecture. Kaku aimed to elucidate the concept of grand unified theories that aspire to explain everything. He planned to begin with Newton's formulation of the laws of motion and progress to Maxwell's four equations, which expanded upon Newton's work by defining electromagnetism. Ultimately, Kaku intended to introduce the quest for a more comprehensive equation that encompasses the laws governing matter's motion, electromagnetism, and gravity. He humorously noted that physicists are in search of an equation so simple it could fit on a T-shirt—what Kaku refers to as "The God Equation."

However, this so-called Grand Unified Theory of Everything falls short of its claims. There are countless dimensions of reality that this comprehensive equation, or God Equation, will not elucidate. It fails to shed light on the origins of life in a toxic environment over 3.5 billion years ago, the process of an egg hatching into a chick, or the dynamics of human relationships that form clans, tribes, nations, and civilizations. It also does not encompass the intense emotions we experience through love, sexuality, or even the collective joy at a concert.

The profound emotional experiences that remain untouched by this equation are staggering. Collective ecstasies can shape the course of history. Consider Adolf Hitler: he masterfully manipulated group ecstasies, instilling in the German populace a sense of belonging to something monumental. These gatherings often ignited collective raptures, propelling Germany into a devastating war of conquest—World War II. Such spiritual ecstasies can forge new realities in the material world.

This indicates that our understanding of science must extend beyond the confines of particle accelerators like CERN, which examine elements at an atomic level. A grand unified equation, while significant, will not encapsulate the entirety of human experience or the universe.

Since I was twelve, I’ve felt compelled to pursue the antithesis of such an atom-smasher. Rather than dissecting the minutiae, my goal has been to construct a framework that captures the grand narrative of existence. My tool has been the timeline of the cosmos, aiming to connect the explosive beginnings of the universe with the complex flickerings of the human spirit.

The objective has been to create a Grand Unified Theory that integrates physics, chemistry, biology, neuroscience, societal evolution, art, and the intricacies of human emotions into a cohesive worldview—what filmmaker David Van Taylor dubbed The Grand Unified Theory of Everything in the Universe Including Sex, Violence, and The Human Soul.

In essence, this Grand Unified Theory does not rely on microscopes or telescopes but rather employs an "omniscope."

Howard Bloom has been recognized by England’s Channel4 TV as the Einstein, Newton, Darwin, and Freud of the 21st century. His latest book is titled Einstein, Michael Jackson & Me: a Search for Soul in the Power Pits of Rock and Roll (Rowman & Littlefield).