Of Dimensions and the Shape of the Universe

This post concerns a branch of theoretical physics indirectly related to the string theory, which offers an explanation of reality. It is hoped that it won't subdue many readers.

Dimensions! The space in which our own reality exists! The definition of space contained within a shape! It is widely believed that we, Earthlings, are able to perceive four dimensions. (Perceive was used because - theoretically - we continue to exist in dimensions above the fourth, but are simply unaware of their existance or how our actions influence those them.) First, imagine a point: a place of infinately small size that has no area or volume, and simply represents space. If one were to imagine a second point, and draw a line between these, the first dimension could be created - length. If from this line another were to branch, the second dimension could be imagined - width. For ease of explanation later, the third dimension will be described as what the second dimension is folded through to get from one point to another instantly in the second dimension. As an example, imagine a second-dimensional creature walking along a flat plane: a second-dimensional world. If we were to take this plane and overlap it with itself (fold), then return it to its flat position, if the second-dimensional creature were to have walked onto the overlap before the plane was flattened again, and sustained its position after the plane were flattened - alas! It would seemingly have been transported from one point to another - instantly. Any dimension can be described as what is folded through in the dimension below it in this way.
The above dimensions concerned physical space, which we all are well-acquainted. The fourth and final dimension we are able to perceive is time. Time is fleeting. Physics describes time as an indefinate number of points every second/(second squared). Thus, we live from point-to-point in time - a literal 'time-line'. If you imagine yourself one second ago, and consider yourself now, you will notice you have changed, and also that you would be able to draw a line from that point to this one fluidly. On a larger scale, consider the universe from the big bang to the present: it could continue to be charted as a fourth-dimensional, fluid line. Physics also says that our existance is waves of probability collapsed by perception, and that every action we take creates a new path of existance for us, leading to one's present existance. The fifth dimension, then, is a branch, or branches, in the time-line. Now, what if you wanted to find one path of existance for yourself in which you were prosperous, or did a marvelous deed for the world? One way would be to travel back in time, influence your younger self in some way, and wait to see the result. Easier, however, would simply be to fold the fifth dimension through the sixth dimension so that you could instantly travel from one path of your existance to the path of your existance that you desire.
The seventh dimension is epic: all possible branches of the universe's timelines, represented in a single point. Anything from whether or not a caveman were to blink at one time instead of another, to whether or not Hitler decides to begin the Holocaust are contained in this point. Thus, the point is infinity - everything. But the eigth dimension is a line connecting one infinity to another. How is this possible? Different starting conditions, which would create a totally different universe with varying natural, physical laws, etc. So... as said, the line connecting one infinity to another (in time) is the eigth dimension. As you could probably imagine, then, the ninth dimension is a branch in time from one infinity to another, leading to yet another infinity. Finally, however, the tenth dimension is a point representing all possible timelines with all possible starting conditions... What I like to call 'absolute infinity'. *Whoah* The string theory says that matter derives from subatomic strings vibrating in the tenth dimension.

Now, to the shape of the universe. This has been, and is still being, debated, because none have left the universe (obviously) to photograph it, or document its shape. Some believe that the universe will eventually collapse under its own gravitational force, but I don't think that is very likely because in other dimensions in the universe gravity may not exist. Others, then, say that the universe is infinately expanding, and only a divine, all-powerful being should decide when it ends, if ever. Let us consider a moebious strip. To create one, take a strip of paper (representing a plane in the second dimension), twist one end 180 degrees, and attach the two ends as they are. You should have, then, a ring of paper with an odd bend in it. If you were to draw a line around the ring, you would notice that the line covers both the inside and outside of the strip before returning to its initial position; thus, it is a two-dimensional (one-sided) shape, existing in three-dimensional space. Wow! I believe this to be the shape of the universe. Because it is infinately expanding, we shall never see it from the outside. Similarly, if a two-dimensional creature were to walk along it, they would believe themselves to be walking in two-dimensions, while in reality they would be existing in three. Thus, if there are dimensions above our own that we are unaware of (as detailed above), then we very well could be like those two-dimensional creatures on a 3-D moebious strip, but with higher dimensions. We would be forever unable to see the outside, because we would be unaware of it entirely. What fun!