Insignificance is Bliss
Why it's a good thing that you don't matter
It may be hard to believe today’s title, but I hope by the end of this Brainlift, you’ll be convinced that it’s good to feel insignificant. People are typically praised for popularity, seniority, and authority, but those aren’t necessarily a recipe for happiness. A far better recipe may involve looking in entirely the opposite direction: Find the things in the world that are much bigger than you.
The grander scheme of things
Most people are scared of the idea that they’re insignificant or that their lives don’t matter in the grander scheme of the universe. They want to feel heard and they want to feel as though it matters that they exist. On a local level, this makes sense: You need to feel wanted and valued by friends and family. But when the impulse stretches beyond your immediate social circles, and you lose sight of your infinitesimal place in the cosmos, your personal problems gradually take over your entire mind.
Does the conflict at work really matter? Is it worth suffering over that broken heart? Is your constant worrying about the future useful? All of these pains arise from too much inward focus and not enough outward focus. When it feels as though the world revolves around you, all of your problems are emotionally multiplied. The way to get out of this spiral is to focus your attention on the things that are far bigger than you: The diverse cultures, the sparkling oceans, and the distant stars. One reason it’s so inspiring and calming to sit by the ocean is that your problems seem so small in comparison.
Activities that help you appreciate the magnitude of your surroundings—like immersing yourself in nature and traveling the world—are associated with greater creativity and greater happiness in your daily life. When you need a boost in optimism, joy, appreciation, or inspiration, get out of the house and remind yourself of the enormity of the world around you.
How to feel small
Look at the stars: On the next warm and clear night, go outside and lie on your back to look up at the stars. Spend some time considering the years that it takes for the light from each star to travel from its source all the way to your eye. Imagine the trillions of miles between you and the nearest star to our sun, while monitoring how those thoughts make you feel.
Visit your nearest beach, forest, or mountaintop: Pay attention to the experience of being among tall trees, colossal oceans, and magnificent views. They don’t just look nice—they often completely shift your mindset and emotional states. Examine whether your problems feel less severe and frustrating when you’re around nature’s giants.
Learn about the universe: Read or watch a documentary about physics or astronomy to get a more detailed view of just how small your place in the universe is. Books such as The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene, and documentaries such as The Planets with Brian Cox are a great place to start.
Speaking of documentaries…
Here’s a short clip of The Planets hosted by Brian Cox. It’s a great reminder of how your existence today is the most improbable piece of luck that you could imagine.
That final quote
Here’s Ralph Waldo Emerson on why we need to be more grateful for the stars:
“If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore, and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
❤️Please spread the word among friends who might like The Brainlift by forwarding this newsletter. If you’re new here, sign up below or visit erman.substack.com ❤️
Erman Misirlisoy, PhD
Like The Brainlift on FACEBOOK
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow me on MEDIUM
Connect on LINKEDIN