Introduction: Do we live in only three dimensions?
The world around us is bound in length, width and height – these are the three dimensions (3D). Everything we see, touch or feel is in these three measurements.
But now the question arises:
Is there a “fourth dimension”? And if so, what is it?
Can we see or feel it?
Is 4D just an imagination, or does it have a place in science?
In this blog we will understand the 4D Dimension from all four perspectives – science, mathematics, philosophy and imagination.
What does Dimension mean?
“Dimension” means the characteristic of an object that defines its position and form.
1D: just a line (length)
2D: length + width (like a picture on paper)
3D: length + width + height (like a box)
Now the question is: what is the fourth dimension?
What is 4D Dimension?
4D, or the fourth dimension, is an additional direction that we cannot see with our normal senses, but is calculated in mathematics and physics.
Most common idea:
“Time is the fourth dimension”
Because an object is not just in space, it is in a particular place at a particular time.
Example: Your chair is not just in the room — it is “in the corner of the room at 9 AM today.” Space + Time = 4D
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity
Albert Einstein said in 1905 that time is also a dimension, and this completely changed physics.
He proposed that:
“Our universe is a 4D space-time, in which time and space are connected.”
Example:
When you travel at the speed of light, time will slow down – called Time Dilation.
The faster an object moves in space, the slower time will be for it.
The same principle works in GPS satellites too!
Tesseract – 4D Visual Representation
The fourth dimension is difficult to understand in visual form, but scientists have created a 3D structure called Tesseract (Hypercube).
Like 2D Cube = Square
3D Cube = Cube
4D Cube = Tesseract
Although we cannot see it directly, its projection is shown through computer graphics and animation.
You might have seen “Tesseract” cube in Avengers – that is the imaginary form of 4D cube.
How to feel 4D?
Like:
2D creatures cannot understand 3D things
Similarly 3D creatures (we) cannot feel 4D completely
But we can understand it through mathematical form, shadow, and projection.
4D and Science – Is it just imagination?
No!
4D is used in many fields:
1. In Physics:
Theories of black holes, gravity and time travel are made by considering the universe as 4D spacetime.
General Relativity is based on this.
2. In Neuroscience:
The flow of information in the brain is also being modeled in 4D space.
(eg. brain connectivity network)
3. In Computer Graphics:
4D models are created in video games and VFX to get more real effects.
4D and Spirituality – Is it mentioned in Indian texts?
Yes!
Indian philosophy talks about “trikaldarshita” (past, future, present) and “many worlds”.
Upanishads, Yoga Vasishtha and Vedanta describe the diversity of time and different levels of existence (loks) – which may be a concept beyond 4D.
Interesting imaginations and experiments related to 4D
Time Travel:
If we can manipulate time in 4D space, we can go to the future or the past.
Many Hollywood movies are based on this: Interstellar, Tenet, Predestination
Higher Beings:
Can some creatures live in 4D or higher dimensions?
Can they see us, but we cannot see them?
Is 4D just a level or are there more dimensions?
According to science:
String Theory says that there can be up to 10 or 11 dimensions in the universe.
We can only “experience” 4 – the rest are hidden.
Conclusion: Can we live in 4D?
Our existence is bound in 3D, but we can understand 4D through math, physics, and imagination.
4D isn’t just science fiction (sci-fi), it:
Is used in technologies like GPS
Has become the basis for understanding the universe
May lead us to time travel, black holes, and the mysteries of the universe in the future
