The Primordial Era

Reading current theories about the origin of the universe can be fascinating.

Such theories describe an extremely rapid expansion. I find this also requires, on my part, an extremely rapid expansion of my ability to comprehend both ideas and small numbers.

The numbers one encounters are very small.

For example: there are descriptions of "something happening" when the universe is only 10^-50 years old.

What kind of a number is 10^-50?

Mathematically speaking, I guess it isn't so very small, since I can easily (!) imagine other numbers where the exponent is simply a much larger value. But when I try to imagine something occuring in a space of time (lovely expression!) of 10^-10 seconds, I have great difficulty.

Interesting. When I think of numbers it is easy. When I try to apply that insight to "reality" I am in trouble. What does that tell me about both the power and weakness of mathematics? Or of my ability to think?