Physicist David Gross on humanity’s future: ‘Survival beyond 50 years is unlikely’

Nobel Prize-winning physicist David Gross has cast doubts over humanity’s future and survival in the quest for a unified theory of quantum, also called the “Theory of Everything.”

Recently, David Gross has received a $3 million Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for his career contributions to theoretical physics and global science advocacy.

In an interview published by Live Sciences, Gross said the biggest roadblock in achieving the unified theory is not math. It is humanity's fading existence, highlighting whether humans will exist long enough to finish the work.

“I spend part of my time trying to tell people … that the chances of you living 50 [more] years are very small. Due to the danger of nuclear war, you have about 35 years,” said David Gross during his discussion regarding the future of the species and scientific progress.

Gross estimates a 2 percent annual risk of nuclear war due to the collapse of arms control treaties and the rise of multiple nuclear powers.

Based on this 2 percent estimate, he calculated the “expected lifetime” of our civilization to be roughly 35 years before a nuclear event occurs.

He also warned that modern warfare driven by AI will further push humanity closer to catastrophe.

What is the Theory of Everything?

A unified theory in quantum gravity or Theory of Everything is based on combining the two major pillars of modern physics: general relativity (explains gravity and other structures of the universe) and quantum mechanics (focuses on behaviour of particles at atomic and subatomic levels).

If proven or discovered, the unified theory could explain the origin of the universe, unravel the mystery of happenings inside black holes, and uncover deeper laws of reality.