Subject Matter

When we study the universe at a very small scale, where the distances are measured in microns, we call this study, Physics. At this level, all we see is atoms and their constituents like electrons, protons, and neutrons. We come across the dynamics and forces between these particles. We measure their sizes, we try to state their masses, and we determine what forces keep them together. At this level, there is no definition of life. There is only energy.

Change the scale a little bit. We go from atoms, to molecules. Now the distances under study are a bit more than they are in Physics. What we study is molecules, their chains, their complex aggregates, and we call that, Chemistry. Still, life is nowhere to be found.

You get the idea. If we look at the next level up, we would be studying organisms and complex chemicals. We would find ourselves in the realm of Biology. Now, we can talk about something called life.

Towards the other end of the spectrum, we would find sciences like Economics. At the economic level, the scales would change drastically. The objects under study would be masses of people, their groups, their trade, their policies, and their markets.

The fact is that the universe exists as it is. It is us who like to break it down into different domains for our convenience. My point is, that the universe renders itself to such layering. Surprisingly, you don't have to understand how the atoms in your friend's head are spinning if he or she is in a bad mood. You don't need to know physics to mend relationships. You don't need to know mathematics to win people's hearts. You don't have to be an economist to understand the big picture.