Chapter 1: The Nature of Impermanence

In the words of W. Somerset Maugham, “Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.” This quote encapsulates the essence of our transient existence.

On February 18, 2021, the Perseverance rover made its landing on Mars, accompanied by the small helicopter, Ingenuity. The image of these robotic explorers traversing a desolate world 153 million miles from Earth evokes a unique blend of unease and comfort. It reminds us of the film Silent Running, where the lonely robot Dewey cared for the last remnants of Earth's flora aboard a spacecraft.

Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is estimated to stretch between 100,000 to 150,000 light-years in diameter. To put this into perspective, a light-year is the distance light can travel in a year, which is approximately 670 million miles per hour. If one could travel at the speed of light, they could circle the Earth 7.5 times in just one second.

The observable universe spans about 93 billion light-years across, as determined by the capabilities of modern telescopes. However, the unobservable universe, which eludes our detection, is believed to be at least 23 trillion light-years in diameter, with scientists suggesting it may be far larger.

These vast distances often defy our understanding. While we perceive Earth as immense, it is merely a minuscule speck within an even more incomprehensible expanse. The universe originated approximately 13.8 billion years ago, and projections suggest it will conclude in about 5 billion years. Yes, Earth has its beginnings and its ends as the universe expands and eventually contracts. (For those unacquainted with this fact, don’t worry; there’s still time to prepare.)

Navigating our own fleeting existence poses its challenges. Contemplating the eventual end of everything can feel overwhelming. We often strive for a sense of happiness by ticking off various goals, believing these achievements grant us significance. Our perception is typically limited to our own experiences, which makes it difficult to relate to something that is trillions of light-years away. This irony leads us to recognize that we are both significantly significant and insignificantly significant.

This duality may explain why Buddha advised, “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Attempting to focus on anything beyond the here and now can be both futile and daunting.

We yearn for understanding, yet the reality is that we will comprehend almost nothing of the vast cosmos.

So, let us gaze upon the stars, appreciating their brilliance and magnitude while simultaneously savoring the beauty of a delicate flower right before us.

Both are extraordinary.

And remember, you are extraordinary as well.

With peace.

Chapter 2: Embracing Our Insignificance

In the vastness of the universe, we often grapple with our own insignificance.

The first video, We Are Insignificant, delves into our place in the cosmos, reminding us of the beauty in our fleeting existence.

The second video, Finding Purpose in Our Insignificant Existence, explores how we can derive meaning and joy in the face of the universe's vastness.