In praise of miracles, mysteries, and serendipity
Exploring the mysteries of the universe and the wonders of our existence
Genuine curiosity and wonder makes us human
I have designed this piece to be a visual experience. I want to reflect on the universe and our place in it.
I do not quite know where this will go. Let us roll and see:)
So, I will start by sharing some videos with you about the universe.
How are we trying to understand the universe? What does science tell us about what we know regarding the universe?
Here is a great talk and summary on this by Michio Kaku:
Kurzgesagt YouTube channel has mind-blowing videos on some of the secrets of the universe, such as black holes, wormholes, and the string theory.
They are presented below:
The Milky Way galaxy contains about 100 billion stars (estimation). There are 10 trillion galaxies in the observable universe (estimation). This makes 1 septillion stars (with 24 zeroes).
Let us focus on the Milky Way galaxy alone. If we scale down each star to the size of a grain of salt, we would need about 100,000 boxes of salt to represent the stars in our galaxy. There would be about four miles of distance between each grain of salt. It takes 100,000 light-years to navigate the Milky Way alone. Imagine the huge scale and distances in just out galaxy.
We are an integral part of this vast, vast universe. We are interconnected with everything in the universe.
Each breath we take is sort of a miracle. The mysteries of being alive and conscious are nothing short of wonderful.
Not only are we in the universe, but the universe is also within us.
“Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.” ― Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi
Our imaginations know no limits. We know that we are cosmic beings. Here are two quotes on this:
“The most remarkable part of all is your DNA. You have a metre of it packed into every cell, and so many cells that if you formed all the DNA in your body into a single fine strand it would stretch ten billion miles, to beyond Pluto. Think of it: there is enough of you to leave the solar system. You are in the most literal sense cosmic.”
- Bill Bryson, The Body: A Guide for Occupants
“There are as many atoms in a single molecule of your DNA as there are stars in the typical galaxy. We are, each of us, a little universe.”
- Neil deGrasse Tyson
After watching these videos and reading intensively about the universe (and our place in it), I feel weird.
I wrote down my own philosophy — check it out below:
Now, it is your turn.
Here is your exercise — you will create your own philosophy — are you ready?
CREATE YOUR OWN PHILOSOPHY
Please create your own philosophy now.
You can write down your reflections on the universe and your place in it.
Write as you wish — you can write down spiritual words or random mumblings.
What is the meaning of all this?
Where are we?
Where have we come from?
Where are we going?
What do you think? Please write your ideas on a white page (or in your notebook).
CODA — Surprise
As I was about to hit the ‘publish’ button, I have received a piece of wonderful news and I want to share it with you:) My sister Merve and her husband Cengiz just had their first baby — as of this moment:) This is a moment of a miracle for all family. I think it is truly serendipitous that I have received this news as I have just finished writing this piece. This piece now has a very special meaning for me —it was an unexpected piece that has emerged spontaneously. It is my little gift to Merve, Cengiz, and my newborn niece:)
Sincere regards;
Fahri
