Universal truths?

Question

Can anyone describe--and give evidence of--any universal truths outside of these four claims:

Time exists.
Space exists.
Energy exists.
Matter exists.

Isn't everything else just a derivative of one or more of these four things? Please, only include what you believe to be universal truth that can be substantiated with empirical evidence or logical reasoning. I'm willing to hear out any long-winded (read as comprehensive) examination.

I'm going to add this to a couple other forums to get some varied responses...i.e., you don't have to answer multiple times.

Aren't life, death, thinking, taxes, etc. all derivatives or functions of matter, energy, space, and time? Or matter/energy and space-time? Even the "will" to action is an expression of our concious minds, which, as far as I know, only exist with the other four/two possibilities.

And, no, there are no ulterior motives here. I'm just curious as to what others think.

Answer 1

Although it exists in only minute quantities and very briefly in our universe and even then, generally but not always, in highly controlled circumstances, wouldn't one also have to acknowledge that ANTIMATTER EXISTS?

Answer 2

I don't believe in universal per se because everything is in context. I believe harming a child is wrong, but if a child has a super bug that will kill everyone else, then I'll break that rule. What I do have is truths that are true except under extreme context such as me above example. All people who seek find some little tidbit, some unexplored corner of the world only they can see. If you invest the time and energy most people are happy to show that too you, to the benefit of all. The human spirit is not meant to be caged. We are as a race smitten with freedom so much so that it's part of our core identity as a species. Absolutes are absolutely wrong. There is always an exception. No matter how bad you think you are, how good you are at something, there's somebody better, tougher, stronger, wiser or faster. If you push it, one day you'll meet them. Cars are neither meant nor designed to make nearly 90 degree climbs however if you customize it enough and are both drunk and dumb enough you can ALMOST Make it. Blaming a tool for it's usage, whether it be a shovel, a war, a gun or a tuna salad sandwich is a senseless denial of reality. Life is a whole lot more complex than anybody wants to admit. Yet so many people want to complicate even the simple things in life. It is almost like an obsession to destroy what little in life makes simple sense. If you make a wish, the manner in which you make it matters not, it is the will in your heart to make it come true that matters most. Not really sure this is the kind of thing your looking for but me muse can be rather impish at times and I indulge her whenever possible. Nothing like an angry muse to ruin ones creative day ::)

Answer 3

Of the four you list, none of them are "pure" and independent; each has an interdependence.

For example, time exist only because of space. Time is movement through space (e.g., a clocks hands). If don't have space, you don't have time. So, the two are interdependent--that's why Einstien began using the term "space-time" to show the unity of the two.

In addition, matter and energy are related. If we look at the E = mc2 equation (sorry, don't know how to make the two a superscript), we find that "matter" is a dense form of energy and, simultaneously, we can see "energy" as a lose form of "matter." So, your own list can be condensed to:

Space-time exists.
Energy/matter exists.

If we are nihilistic, we destroy these through Descartes doubting to arrive only at ourselves as existing--i.e., "I think, therefore I am." This, however, is too solipsistic for my own tastes.

Given the paradoxical relationships obtainable through your list (and my condensed version of your list), I think another avenue is necessary. For example, there is the paradox of what was before time? a question which presupposes time in the question of time. If you cannot find a way to ask the question in such a biased way, then have difficulty finding a clear answer. Time seems OUTSIDE of existence because as we understand existence--existence is the being of something that can at some time not be. WE exist because we can also NOT exist. Time cannot NOT exist, so it cannot actually exist--it is beyond existence.

Thus, the only universal that I would have is:

There is but ONE Universal, that there are NO other Universals.

Answer 4

I agree with grimy! GOD is an energy that created all things that are, were, and ever will be, everything that we know and everything that we do not know yet are all energies derived from the one Omnipotent energy. even time is purely relevant to the beholder. It has no relevance in the spectrum of eternity for eternity has no beginning or end. This is quite simple compared to the energy of thought. If you really want to explore possibilities check into Quantum physics. The energy of thought travels many times faster than the speed of light. the energy of thought is not even bond to time at all, penetrating the past as well as the future. With the energy of thought there are cosmic laws [The Law of Attraction and The Law of Projection] being a couple of these laws. If you really want to get deep think outside of the box. No pun intended!

Answer 5

Actually, I’d cut it down to one (albeit 3 faceted) universal truth:

Existence IS the interaction of Energy and Space-Time.

Because you can have energy without matter, ( photons);
but not matter without energy (all matter contains energy > m = E/c^2 ),
matter may be considered a derivative of energy,

Which leaves us Space, Time and Energy. However:

There is no measure of space that does not involve matter (a ruler), or energy (laser range finder)
AND
There is no measure of time that does not involve matter (clock springs or crystals) or energy (travel time of photons)
AND
Energy is measured in units of: [matter x (space/time)^2]

Which means: Energy and Space-Time have no independent existence.

Answer 6

There is only one universal truth and that is Energy Exist.

Time is an illusion human minds put on transmutations of transforming energy.

Space is a form of energy to comprise a form.

Matter is the composite of energies to comprise a form.

If you break the universe down to the most simplistic explanation it is ' Energy will never die Energy was never born, Everything is a composite of energies.

Answer 7

as far as I have been able to attain;
time and space are indivisible.
energy and matter are indivisible.
time, space, matter, energy are projected by mind.
mind is consciousness in motion.

all of these (personal) truths are clear when mind is still.

I have no evidence beyond my self-enquiry, meditation.

the necessity for empirical proof seems to be another creation of mind.

this type of exposition, definitively beyond substantiation, seems to be entirely rejected by other participants on YA because of this dependance on mind, on the conceptual.

for anyone prepared to consider these personal conclusions, I can assure that these truths, usually classified as mystical, are beyond doubt when mind abates, and there is no mystery, no further questions.

thank you for asking!
x

Answer 8

I believe I could, but the effort ain't really worth it in this setting.

Answer 9

Death and taxes.

Answer 10

we are made from all the material that makes up our universe...