In his book "A Short History of Nearly Everything," Bill Bryson delves into the intriguing nature of matter and its interaction with the universe. He points out that when we sit down, there's a profound scientific truth at play: we are not truly making direct contact with the chair. Instead, the electrons in our bodies repel those in the chair, creating a minuscule gap, measuring just one angstrom between us and the object of our weight.

This concept highlights both the complexity of the atomic world and the fundamental forces that govern our everyday experiences. Bryson’s explanation serves to remind us that what feels like a simple act of sitting is actually a demonstration of the profound principles of physics and chemistry that define our existence and interactions with the material world.