You’re the average of nothing and infinity
You’ve heard the cliche, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” This adage emphasizes the influence of our social circle on our lives. But what if we extended this concept to the cosmic scale?
Blaise Pascal’s said, “Man is the mean of nothing and infinity.” The human condition poises us precariously between the infinitesimally small and the infinitely large. And there’s some science behind this aphorism as well:
- The geometric mean of a neutrino’s size and the universe’s size (90 Giga light years) is ~ 1 meter.
- The geometric mean of the universe’s age since the formation of the elements (last known physics, ~1 nanosecond) and the universe’s age (14 billion years) is approximately one day. • The geometric mean of a typical galaxy’s mass and a neutrino’s mass is 1000 kg.
Why are these values so close to human scale units?
And what are the implications for us, as the only known lifeforms capable of asking such questions?
This idea forms the basis of Cosmic Insignificance Therapy, a psychological approach that leverages our cosmic insignificance as a therapeutic tool. I’ve often felt this acutely — standing under a sky full of stars or peering into the depths of a telescope, the vastness of the universe makes me feel like a speck of dust, almost insignificant. Yet, there’s a strange comfort in that insignificance.
Understanding Cosmic Insignificance Therapy
Cosmic Insignificance Therapy, developed by psychologist William Sommer, is rooted in recognizing our smallness in the vast universe, which can paradoxically lead to improved mental health. It draws on existential philosophy and astronomy to help individuals understand their problems and anxieties.
Therapeutic Benefits of Cosmic Perspective
Cosmic Insignificance Therapy can be therapeutic in several ways:
1. Reducing Anxiety
By recognizing our smallness in the face of the cosmos, we can put our problems into perspective. This can help reduce anxiety about daily stressors or life challenges that may seem overwhelming from a narrow viewpoint.
2. Alleviating Pressure
I’ve found that staring into the night sky, realizing how tiny my worries are compared to the vastness above, often brings a strange sense of calm. Understanding our cosmic insignificance can relieve the pressure we frequently put on ourselves to achieve or be perfect. It reminds us that our successes or failures are relatively inconsequential in the grand scheme.
3. Fostering Humility and Connection
Recognizing our place in the vast universe can promote humility and a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. This can be comforting and provide a sense of belonging.
4. Encouraging Meaning-Making
Paradoxically, by acknowledging our cosmic insignificance, we may be inspired to create our own meaning and purpose. For me, this realization drives my passion for sharing the wonders of the universe with others, including you reading this — me at my most vulnerable — hoping to spark the same sense of awe that ignites my curiosity. This can lead to a more fulfilling and intentional life.
5. Promoting Acceptance
Understanding our position between “nothing and infinity” can help us accept the uncertainties and limitations of human existence, leading to greater peace of mind.
Cosmic Insignificance Therapy invites us to contemplate our place in the universe. While this might initially seem daunting, it can be a powerful therapeutic tool. By gaining perspective on our cosmic insignificance, we can paradoxically find relief from personal anxieties, foster a sense of connection, and discover a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.
What tools do you use to bring you up when you’re feeling the summer doldrums?
Until next time, have a M.A.G.I.C. Week,
Brian
Appearance
On Hoover Institution’s Uncommon Knowledge podcast:
“Are we alone in the universe?” That’s the central question we put to astrophysicist Dr. Luke Barnes, cosmologist @DrBrianKeating , and philosopher Dr. Jay Richards. Our guests delve into the probabilities and challenges of finding extraterrestrial life, considering the vastness of the cosmos and the fine-tuning necessary for life to exist. They explore the implications of the SETI project, the rarity of Earth-like conditions, and the potential for habitable planets in other solar systems.
This discussion is set against the backdrop of broader scientific and philosophical inquiries, including the Big Bang, the multiverse theory, and the role of humanity in the cosmic order. The conversation offers a deep and nuanced perspective on the search for life beyond Earth and what it could mean for our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Genius
Caffeine — it could fuel your commute in more ways than one!
Fuel cells, while promising, are expensive due to high catalyst requirements to increase the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. In a recent breakthrough in Chiba, Japan, researchers found that adding caffeine to the electrodes can improve the ORR activity of platinum electrodes 11 times. This discovery can enhance the efficiency of the fuel cell, reduce the requirement for excess platinum catalysts, and ultimately lead to cheaper and more efficient fuel cells.
Read the article here.
Image
From my friend Mike Adler in Wyoming comes this stunning image of one of my favorite summertime treats — the Lagoon Nebula. This stellar nursery is about 5,000 light-years distant, in the direction of the center of our Milky Way Galaxy.
Learn more about this fascinating object from Mike’s website here.
Conversation
Will physics ever be able to explain consciousness? What if our entire understanding of reality is just an illusion shaped by evolution? Could the universe be a sophisticated virtual reality created by our own minds for our own good? And does free will exist after all?
Joining me today to explore these profound questions is none other than Donald Hoffman! Donald Hoffman is a renowned philosopher, famous TED talk speaker, cognitive scientist, and deep thinker. He is a professor in the Department of Cognitive Science at the University of California, Irvine, and the author of the provocative book The Case Against Reality. This is his third time on my show because we simply never run out of topics, and it’s always refreshing to hear his thoughts and ideas!
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