Following my logic where it leads
Was thinking on the way home from work, the sort of thoughts that you just don’t have without a bit of whiskey in ya, and a cold, clear night to wander through. And I thought this particular thing, which is probably not original to me (history is full of smarter folks than I) but I wanted to share it with you guys. Come along with me on this and see if it makes sense:
The Universe, by definition, includes all of space and time.1
Therefore, time is part of the very fabric of the Universe.2
Therefore, time does not exist outside of the Universe.
The words “before” and “after” describe a relationship defined by time.
Therefore, without time, “before” and “after” are meaningless.
A cause, by definition, is that which creates an effect.3
Therefore, a cause must always come before its effect.
Therefore, if there is no “before,” “cause” is meaningless.
Without the Universe there is no time.
Without time, there is no “before.”
Without “before,” there is no “cause.”
Therefore, without the Universe there can be no cause.
Conclusion: The Universe itself had no cause.
Is there a weak link in this line of thought? Discuss.