Modern physics seeks to answer two of the most profound questions humanity has ever asked: What is the Universe made of? And how did it evolve? Do we understand the universe?

The talk traces the historical discovery of the fundamental constituents of matter, from the electrons to quarks and Higgs, highlighting how abstract mathematical Quantum Field Theory predictions were confirmed in laboratory experiments. Drawing on firsthand experience from theoretical calculations on quark interactions, the discovery of the top quark by the DØ experiment at Fermilab, and later work with the CMS experiment at CERN, the talk will describe the experimental path leading to the discovery of the Higgs boson, the final missing piece of the Standard Model.

The presentation then broadens its scope to include Einstein’s General Relativity, the curvature of space-time, and the evolution of the Universe, connecting particle physics with cosmology.

Finally, the talk will explore the open mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, and the remarkable insights gained from satellite missions. Presented in accessible language and enriched with personal reflections, this lecture aims to inspire students and researchers alike by showing how theory, experiment, and computation come together to deepen our understanding of the Universe.