Which thing is the strongest? Exploring materials, forces, and personal resilience

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

By one measure, a humble dung beetle is considered the strongest creature on Earth relative to its body weight, capable of pulling over 1,141 times its own mass. When asking which thing is the strongest, the answer depends entirely on how 'strong' is defined—whether by physical properties, forces of nature, or even mental resilience.

Quick Summary

The concept of strength is complex and multifaceted, with different winners depending on the metric used, from the ultimate tensile strength of modern materials like graphene and carbyne to the subatomic strong nuclear force. This article delves into various types of strength, highlighting how physical and mental resilience in humans also represent profound forms of power.

Key Points

Graphene's Superiority: A single-atom-thick layer of carbon, graphene, is considered the strongest known material in terms of tensile strength.
The Strong Nuclear Force: At the subatomic level, the strong nuclear force is by far the most powerful force in the universe, binding atomic nuclei together.
Toughness vs. Strength: Toughness, a material's resistance to fracture, is a different metric than sheer strength, with the CrCoNi alloy holding the record for toughness.
Nature's Strongest: Darwin's bark spider silk is considered the toughest biological material, outperforming synthetic fibers like Kevlar.
Defining Human Strength: In a health context, strength encompasses both physical prowess and mental resilience, which is the ability to adapt and cope with adversity.
Improving Mental Strength: Practices like mindfulness, self-care, and building supportive relationships are key to enhancing mental toughness.
The Force of Gravity: While weak on a small scale, gravity becomes the strongest force over astronomical distances, shaping the cosmos.

Defining strength: It's not just about muscle

For something to be considered 'strongest,' it must be able to withstand or exert immense force. However, different scientific disciplines define this in distinct ways. For materials science, strength is often measured by tensile strength (resistance to being pulled apart), compressive strength (resistance to being squeezed), or toughness (resistance to fracture). For physics, strength can refer to the magnitude of a fundamental force. In health and wellness, strength encompasses both physical and mental capabilities.

The contenders from the material world

Materials science has identified several substances with incredible properties, from naturally occurring wonders to cutting-edge synthetics.

Graphene: The two-dimensional titan

Graphene, a single-atom-thick sheet of carbon arranged in a hexagonal lattice, is often cited as the strongest material ever tested. Its tensile strength is over 100 times greater than that of steel. If a sheet of graphene were the thickness of plastic wrap, it would take an elephant standing on a pencil to break through it. The potential applications for this material are vast, from electronics to aerospace.

Carbyne: A potential usurper

Some theoretical studies suggest that carbyne, another carbon allotrope consisting of a chain of atoms, could be even stronger than graphene. Though extremely difficult to synthesize due to its high reactivity, it is believed to have exceptional stiffness and tensile strength. If successfully stabilized, carbyne could redefine material engineering.

Darwin's bark spider silk: A natural marvel

Nature offers its own powerhouse materials, and the silk produced by the Darwin's bark spider is a top contender. This unique biological material is tougher than Kevlar and exhibits an impressive combination of strength and elasticity. The spider uses this silk to build webs that can span rivers, a testament to its incredible durability.

CrCoNi: The champion of toughness

When looking at a material's ability to resist fracture, a high-entropy alloy made of chromium, cobalt, and nickel (CrCoNi) takes the lead. Unlike other materials that become brittle at extremely low temperatures, CrCoNi's toughness increases as it gets colder. This unique property makes it a candidate for applications in extreme environments, like deep space exploration.

The universal forces of strength

Beyond physical objects, the fundamental forces of the universe are the ultimate expression of strength.

The strong nuclear force: The cosmic glue

The aptly named strong nuclear force is the most potent of the four fundamental forces. Operating only across tiny subatomic distances, it binds quarks together to form protons and neutrons, and holds those nucleons together within an atom's nucleus. It is astronomically more powerful than gravity over its short range. Without it, matter as we know it could not exist.

Gravity: The force that moves galaxies

While weak on a subatomic scale, gravity is the strongest force over vast cosmic distances. It is responsible for the formation of stars, planets, and galaxies, shaping the structure of the entire universe. Though less intense than the strong nuclear force at close range, its infinite reach and cumulative effect on massive objects make it a force of immense, universal power.

The human dimension of strength in health

In the context of general health, the concept of strength extends to the human body and mind. This includes physical conditioning and, perhaps more importantly, psychological resilience.

Physical strength: Pushing human limits

Through dedicated training and discipline, humans can achieve incredible feats of physical strength. While we may not lift 1,000 times our body weight, strong individuals can lift hundreds of pounds, demonstrating the body's potential for powerful adaptation and growth. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are foundational for building physical strength and overall well-being.

Mental resilience: Bouncing back from adversity

Mental and emotional resilience is a form of strength that allows individuals to cope with and adapt to stress and adversity. It is not about avoiding problems, but rather navigating them with a positive, problem-solving mindset. Practicing mindfulness, embracing discomfort, and fostering social connections are all ways to build mental toughness and protect against anxiety and depression. This inner strength is crucial for long-term health and a high quality of life.

Comparing Different Forms of Strength


Category	Strongest Contender	Unit of Measure	Key Attribute
Material (Tensile)	Graphene	GPa (Gigapascals)	High resistance to being pulled apart
Material (Toughness)	CrCoNi Alloy	MPa√m (Megapascals square root meters)	Excellent resistance to fracture
Biological Material	Darwin's Bark Spider Silk	Tensile Strength (relative to steel)	Unmatched combination of strength and toughness
Subatomic Force	Strong Nuclear Force	Relative Magnitude	Binds atomic nuclei together
Cosmic Force	Gravity	Pervasive Effect	Shapes galaxies and the universe
Human (Emotional)	Mental Resilience	Psychological Adaptability	Coping and thriving through adversity

Conclusion: Strength is in the eye of the beholder

The question of which thing is the strongest has no single answer, as strength is a multi-faceted concept. The strongest thing can be a single layer of carbon, a complex metal alloy, or a fundamental force of nature holding all matter together. On a more personal and relatable level, it is the profound mental and physical resilience that helps a person overcome life's challenges and thrive. Understanding these different forms of strength offers a richer perspective on the powerful forces that shape both our world and ourselves. For more information on health and wellness, visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, graphene is widely regarded as the strongest material, with a tensile strength over 100 times that of steel. However, other materials like carbyne are theoretically stronger, though difficult to synthesize.

When measured by sheer lifting ability, the African bush elephant is the strongest land animal, capable of lifting up to 6,000 kg. However, the dung beetle is the strongest animal relative to its body size, capable of pulling over 1,141 times its own weight.

The strong nuclear force is the strongest of the four fundamental forces of nature. It operates within the atomic nucleus and is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together, preventing the nucleus from flying apart.

Mental strength, or resilience, is a vital component of general health. It helps individuals manage stress, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook, which acts as a protective factor against conditions like anxiety and depression.

Yes, mental and physical strength are deeply interconnected. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are beneficial for both. Activities like mindfulness and setting clear, achievable goals can also reinforce both types of strength.

Strength refers to a material's ability to withstand force without breaking. Toughness, on the other hand, is a measure of how much energy a material can absorb before fracturing. A material can be strong but not tough if it is brittle and breaks easily under impact.

CrCoNi is a high-entropy alloy of chromium, cobalt, and nickel. It is considered one of the toughest materials because, unlike many metals, its resistance to fracture increases at cryogenic temperatures. This is due to a unique atomic structure that rearranges under stress, preventing cracks from spreading.