If quantum physics states matter doesn’t exist when it’s not being noticed, then, without life, would the universe cease to exist? originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Answer by Viktor T. Toth, IT pro, part-time physicist, on Quora: If quantum physics states matter doesn’t exist when it’s not being noticed, then, without life, would the universe cease to exist? This question demonstrates the dangers of trying to comprehend modern physics from popularizations. It is absolutely not true that states of matter do not exist when they are not noticed. If someone tells you this, he is talking nonsense.