Fundamental Physics 2013: What Is the Big Picture?

Abstract

In this article, I will give my view on the big picture of fundamental physics in light of the historical discovery of Higgs boson. Although this discovery completes the standard model, many mysteries remain. It is not unreasonable to hope that some further experimental input may provide clues that lead to some new answers. But there is another avenue for progress. While experiment is limited by the reality of global economics, theory is limited only by our intellect and imagination. The beasts of mathematical consistency have been harnessed before to pull us through. We are not limited by just what we can see directly, but there are many routes to explore.