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Physics has a history of synthesizing many phenomena into a few theories.

To the extent that we even understand string theory, it may imply a massive number of possible different universes with different laws of physics in each universe, and there may be no way of distinguishing between them or saying why the laws of physics are the way they are. And if I can predict anything, then I haven't explained anything.

If we do discover a complete theory, it should be in time understandable in broad principle by everyone. Then we shall all, philosophers, scientists, and just ordinary people be able to take part in the discussion of why we and the universe exist.

Even if there is only one possible unified theory, it is just a set of rules and equations. What is it that breathes fire into the equations and makes a universe for them to describe?

Most people don't have time to master the very mathematical details of theoretical physics.

To me, what makes physics physics is that experiment is intimately connected to theory. It's one whole.

The methods of theoretical physics should be applicable to all those branches of thought in which the essential features are expressible with numbers.

Theorists can create all sorts of theories which go beyond the Standard Model. But there's not one bit of experimental evidence to point out which way you should go.

I'm not sure what theory is, unless it's the pursuit of fundamental questions.