Cauthon gave a good explanation on reality; I'll add the following:
(My ideas on it are influenced by Immanuel Kant, Perennial Philosophy, Bertrand Russell, and Cognitive Theory Model)
This isn't string theory, as string theory is one set of 'string theories' that will supposedly be united under the umbrella of an "M Theory".
As of now, it's not complete - though a form of it may one day be inherent in evolved beings.
Reality is a closed circuit.
There are two aspects of it - God(all that is reality), and mind.
This is the link between quantum physics and metaphysics - the relationship between mind and matter. The point is to figure out how reality is programmed to recognise mind - and vice-versa.
At the atomic level, matter consist of atoms; at the subatomic level, matter consist of smaller particles like protons, neutrons. At the quantum level, things work differently:
matter exist as a wave of unlimited potentials.
Think of this wave as consisting of an unlimited amount of dice - the facings of which are determined by observers(mind).
If one aspect of reality did not exist, reality as a whole could not exist.
In this way, we work as 'sensors for reality' or "God's Eyes" if you like. We describe reality through our knowledge of it; however, we can never know 100% of reality - if we did that would destroy the circuit and end existence. God represents 100% knowledge of all existance, and as such 'he' represents the unlimited potential that exist in the universe at the quantum level. It is the purpose of minds to create reality by describing it to itself.
The underlying goal of mind is to attain a greater knowledge of God(reality); this is what drives the universe. It is, however, a futile endeavor - as explained, it is impossible to have complete knowledge of God without destroying the circuit. Minds will possess 99.999999% knowledge of all reality, allowing them to create pocket universes or alter matter at whim, but they will never possess 100% knowledge. At that juncture, such beings would be capable of shrinking matter back to the point of singularity (when all matter was compressed into a single point) before the universe is destroyed.
This cycle (expansion, then reversion back to singularity) is infinite and necessary. Complete unity of the universal mind with God would destroy any sense of self, or ego, and all that would exist is a 'potential' that only exist as just that - a potential. Time would not exist, because time is a relationship of matter in space-time. Effectively, existence would not exist - something that can't actually happen.
The universe can't allow it, because the universe is a system of unlimited potential with checks and balances. Anything that attempted to exist, that creates a paradox within the system, would immediately be extinguished.
Our ideas and political beliefs don't really matter, because we are all driven by the same underlying goal of unity with God. What is a capitalist? A capitalist is an egoist. A capitalist is a capitalist because it suits his station in life (he's rich, so that particular outlook is his). What is a communist? A communist is an egoist. A communist is poor so that particular outlook suits his situation. This is a gross simplification - but always there is the underlying motive of a drive toward unity with God. Fascist or Libertarian - we are all just egoist. All are two sides of the same coin - attempting to achieve that unification (unknowingly), within the framework of their own background. Unity may come peacefully, or through war - either way it will come.
Conflict brings about dominance of one type. The step between many egos working in conflict, is a transitory step in the evolution of mind, which is the reduction of ego through a purging process. The reduction of ego brings one closer to the divine ground(reality). This reduction of ego may come about many ways. For example, our extreme global capitalism may make the price of material goods so cheap that nearly everyone possesses the same items. In that sense we have achieved a form of socialism through capitalism - ironically. From the top to the bottom, we have access to the same technology and knowledge; consequently, we have attained a greater form of communalism. The internet, though driven by advertisement, will also speed up the emergence of the mass mind. With the advent of nano-technology, it is only a matter of time before we are working together as a mass mind - aided by the successor of the internet implanted in our brains. All of humanity will have access to the sum of human knowledge, thus a greater portion of God(reality) is attained by all.
Capitalism or Socialism - it all leads to perfect Communism in the end.
At the same time, innovations in genetic engineering will bring us closer together. We will all be one and the same. Ultimately there will be one brain - with duplicates serving as needed, connected by a massive network. The speed of progress will be unprecedented as humanity follows Moore's law. In fact there will be a much vaguer concept of 'humanity' as the augmentations and genetic engineering will make us something much different from now. From that point we all life outside the Earth 'mass mind' will cease to exist, and we will search space for more minds to incorporate in our never ending quest for godliness. We may absorb other beings into our network, or we may be absorbed. The point is the attainment of a greater portion of reality as a mass mind in our futile quest for union with the divine ground - which inevitably leads to another reversion to singularity (big crunch).
