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“Existence in itself does not require direct observation. However, in physics, if something is in principle and forever devoid of any observable effect (even indirect), it is considered scientifically meaningless.
The holographic principle shows that the ‘interior’ and ‘surface’ of a black hole are merely two different descriptions of a single reality. Just like wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics: an electron is simultaneously both a wave and a particle, but asking ‘which one is it really?’ is not the right question. Similarly, in the case of a black hole, the ‘interior’ and the ‘surface’ are two sides of the same coin — complementary descriptions of each other.” Title: Area makes perfect sense – it’s the holographic principle
At first, it does seem odd that information depends only on area, not volume. Intuitively, we expect that a bigger box (more volume) can store more data. But black holes flip this intuition.
Here’s why it makes sense: Once something crosses the event horizon, it can never come back out. So the only “surface” that can communicate with the outside universe is the horizon itself. The interior is causally disconnected. Therefore, all information that will ever be accessible to an outside observer must be encoded on the horizon, not inside.
This is the holographic principle in a nutshell: the description of a volume of space can be encoded on its boundary. Bekenstein and Hawking’s discovery wasn’t just a weird fact about black holes – it was a clue that our entire universe might work the same way.
So no, it’s not odd. It’s one of the deepest insights in modern physics.
Title: A temporary divorce, but not a permanent one
I think the inability to merge quantum mechanics and general relativity is a major problem – but only if we claim we already have a final theory of everything. Since we don’t, it’s perfectly fine to keep them separate for now.
Here’s a simple analogy: Newton’s laws and Einstein’s relativity also contradict each other at high speeds. But we still teach Newton in high school because it works perfectly for 99% of everyday situations. The contradiction doesn’t stop us from building bridges or launching rockets.
The same is true here. Quantum mechanics works beautifully for atoms. General relativity works beautifully for stars and galaxies. The only place they both break down is inside black holes and at the Big Bang. That’s a tiny fraction of the universe – but it’s the most interesting fraction.
So no, it’s not “okay” to leave them separate forever. A complete picture of reality must be one picture. But for now, using two separate tools is not a failure – it’s just a sign that we’re still exploring. String theory is our best attempt to build the single tool. We just need to test it.