[volantis]

I understand quite well where you are coming from. For the past three and a half years I have been developing a mathematical, empirically based TOE. It didn't start that way, but it turned out that way. My main concern was protecting my ideas, which I was certain someone would steal and call their own. Little did I know! Even after writing a full length book describing the theory in detail, I still have a hard time convincing people.

I have PhD physicists reading the book. They find no error at all in the mathematics, and the data is all correctly referenced. But because I put the data together into a different form than they do, they can't believe I'm right. I've had people accuse me of things like "data fitting" and using outdated terms like "Aether." A few people have complimented me on the theory, but then I don't hear from them again.

It isn't just me, but everyone who reads and studies the theory is also shunned. There is no rational reason for it, and yet nobody questions why it should be this way. If the theory works, why isn't it being looked into in greater detail?

I was under the illusion that science was impartial and willing to investigate any reasonable theory. It turns out that science has been taken over by a religious attitude of its own, complete with a clergy, institutions, and dogma. Science has little to do with math and data and much to do with career, budgets, and reputation.

Having studied religion for many years, I am not surprised or unprepared. It is lonely and it is a challenge to face the world one on. Fortunately, I have just the personality for doing this. My happiness comes from within, not from recognition, wealth, or job security. It will take many years to puncture the enormous, overinflated ego of the scientific establishment. But it can be done, one day at a time.

Robert's dedication to this forum is just amazing. I think we are all witnessing the birth of a new institution through his efforts. One of the most important resources for developing a TOE will be to have a dedicated and focussed community. TOE Quest is a real world example of, "If you build it, they will come."

The magnitude of our obstacles are only eclipsed by the magnitude of our efforts to overcome them. How could it be any other way? Those individuals and communities who did not overcome their obstacles have fallen by the wayside. We will succeed in developing a Theory of Everything. We have to.