We ARE made of the universe and we are somewhat conscious
ergo the universe has and is consciousness banjo man.
Its our universe and anyone may play with its understanding.

Measuring fundamental forces, spacetime and that which is within our our senses and instruments is for experts.

Albert E was smart enough to derive thought experiments but more often than not others did the math for proof whether it was his wives or international experts. Some say his brain was unique with twice as much white matter (connective neurons) and a normal amount of grey matter (cortex) . Mainly he was dysleic by current standards.
Like I say anyone can play.

We call life 20 miles beneath our feet and 20 miles above our heads extremeophiles. We are pretty extreme ourselves.