For many years, scientists have dreamed of a unifying framework called the Theory of Everything (TOE), focused on uniting all of the fundamental forces of nature—namely gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces—into one cohesive model.
However, this search has been incredibly challenging because the two major theories that describe these forces, general relativity and quantum mechanics, appear incompatible, leaving the TOE as one of the most elusive goals in science.
Time: The Mysterious Bridge
The problem lies in their fundamental assumptions about time. General relativity treats time as flexible and dynamic, interacting with space to form what is known as spacetime, which changes in shape due to the presence of matter and energy—the time of spacetime may tick differently for different observers in certain circumstances. In contrast, quantum mechanics considers time to be constant, serving as part of a fixed backdrop, along with space, in which events simply occur.
When scientists attempt to combine the two theories into a single framework, the equations “fall apart,” particularly when describing extreme environments like the centers of black holes or the early moments of the Big Bang. More specifically, time appears to vanish from mathematics, making the universe appear to contain zero time.
This conflict, often referred to as the problem of time, has left physicists puzzled for decades. In his book, “The Greatest Source of Energy—A New Theory of Time,” Lamont Williams describes Temporal Energy Theory (TET), an intriguing solution to the problem of time. TET reimagines time as a physical process and energy field. The relative nature of time (from the standpoint of general relativity) and the universal nature of time (from the standpoint of quantum mechanics) both emerge equally and without conflict within the TET model.
The Pulse of the Universe: Temporal Particles
“Time may not simply be a dimension or mysterious ticking clock but a dynamic energy field governed by faster-than-light particles.”
– Lamont Williams
TET suggests that time is powered by faster-than-light particles called temporal particles, which interact with space and matter in a cyclical process of transformation that drives gravity and supports electromagnetism and the strong and weak nuclear forces.
These particles cycle between states referred to as t+ (“future”), t0 (“present”), and t– (“past”), helping to create the feeling of the flow of time that we experience. In this framework, time isn’t just a measure of change but an active force flowing through the universe, much like electricity flows from positive (+) to negative (–) in a conventional circuit. As described in the book, space behaves like a battery and matter like the device on which the battery is operating, with the flow of time (from t+ to t–) being akin to the electrical circuit—see figure below.
This temporal flow redefines the mechanics of the universe. TET proposes that the dual perspectives of general relativity and quantum mechanics stem from observing opposite sides of this temporal cycle. General relativity reflects the forward-flowing t+ to t– process, while quantum mechanics represents the reverse t– to t+ flow. The field of time in general relativity, which, along with space, forms the four-dimensional spacetime field, is the field of t+ particles in TET, much like an ocean, which is composed of individual water molecules.
Gravity, Energy, and Time
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of TET is its explanation of gravity. Traditional physics describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime caused by matter. TET flips the script, suggesting that gravity results from the flow of temporal particles toward matter. This creates gravitational fields—the invisible “force” that pulls objects together—and also curves the space around the mass in the process.
But it doesn’t stop there. TET applies the idea of temporal particles to the other fundamental forces in the universe, as well, where the temporal particles have a substantial role in the dynamics of the virtual force carrier particles of these forces, such as the virtual photons of electromagnetism. This gives TET the potential to unite all the known forces into one theory.
One of the more interesting ideas in TET is that the universe has two kinds of space:
Interior Space: This is the universe we know, filled with matter and positive energy.
Exterior Space: A hidden realm where time flows in reverse. This is not a place where life can exist. It can be thought of as one large positively charged electric field with negative energy. Functionally, it is like the “negative energy sea” of quantum theory.
These two spaces constantly exchange temporal particles, which keeps the universe running. This idea might even explain strange phenomena like black holes, where time and space collapse, and white holes, where energy seems to appear out of nowhere. In TET, the energy of white holes comes from exterior space.
Time in interior space is relative—that is, interior space has many clocks and is the time of Einstein and relativity. Time in exterior space is absolute—that is, the space itself is a single clock spanning the universe. We have no direct experience with this time but perceive its existence through quantum mechanical processes which rely on it.
Toward Unification
What makes TET so promising is its ability to connect disparate ideas into a cohesive whole. By reimagining time as an active quantum energy field that behaves like a smooth dimension on the cosmic level, the theory offers a potential resolution to the problem of time and a pathway to unify general relativity and quantum mechanics. It opens new avenues for understanding atomic behavior, particle physics, and cosmology, creating a unified model of the universe on both the small and grand scales.
Could TET Be the Theory of Everything?
While TET is still a young theory, its potential is huge. If it’s proven true, it could help answer some of the biggest questions in science, like what exactly is time? What are dark matter and dark energy? Or how did the universe begin?
Although there’s much to do to lay its mathematical foundations, its conceptual beauty and explanatory power suggest it could become a keystone in the pursuit of a Theory of Everything.
As we stand at the frontier of human knowledge, ideas like TET remind us that the universe is far more complex and mysterious than we can currently comprehend. Whether or not TET becomes the key to unlocking the secrets of time and space, it serves as a testimony to our unending curiosity and quest to better understand all that surrounds us.
Could temporal energy, hidden in plain sight, be the missing link we’ve been searching for?
Read more in Lamont Williams’ book, “The Greatest Source of Energy – A New Theory of Time.”
