By definition, there is nothing more basic than existence, nothing prior to it. The universe, with its inherent dynamism, has in some form always existed, and in some form always will. A search for a cause outside of the universe, i.e., outside of existence, is a search for a cause from nowhere. Ultimately, a search for causation is a search for identity. The elements of existence interact as they do because of what they are.
Causality is identity in action.
This fundamental aspect of causality is expressed with profound simplicity in The Sound of Music, in a ballad whose lyrics acknowledge, Nothing comes from nothing. Nothing ever could. Attempts to learn more about the universe s alleged origin undoubtedly will continue to produce much valuable knowledge. But with respect to its stated goal, such a search is futile, because it is based on an erroneous reversal of cause and effect, on the largest and most fundamental scale possible.