Particles

The carbon atom consists of six tiny electrons whizzing round a central nucleus of six protons and neutrons. If the nucleus were as big as a marble, the space defined by the electrons (which say 'keep off!' to any other electrons coming near) would be as big as a football stadium, and the electrons themselves less than dust motes. If the immense spaces inside all the atoms in your body were crushed out, only a speck of dirt would be left.

Within the protons and neutrons are thought to be even smaller units called quarks about which we know very little at present. All these particles, better described as 'wavicles', are as much energy as matter. They are impossible to locate precisely, change their nature according to what their pursuers ask of them, and randomly appear and disappear into the quantum void. Their very existence is seemingly dependent on a conscious observer looking for them.

This is you at close quarters - difficult to pin down and describe. And here, as on other levels, you need the outside observer to help you know yourself. In fact, were it not for his observation of you it seems you might not even exist! And when the physicist looks at the patchy evidence of you displayed in the cloud chamber, does he not place himself in your quantum world? Through his instruments do you not also come alive to this obscure quantum life of yours?

And what are you nearer to yourself than your quantum self? Who are you really? You alone inhabit that centre, you alone are that substratum. No outside observer can view this secret place in you.