DeepSurface

This equation plagues me with the simple way it gives the mind a window into a much larger perspective. Infinity is a concept, not a number, so it can only be “approached.” It is more accurate to say that you (or I) become infinitely small when compared to infinity. Here’s what the equation really looks like.

Regardless of how it’s stated, we can see the insignificance of everything we do, everything we think about, and really anything in our human existence by comparing our lives to the infinite nature of the universe. So simple.

If this is seriously considered, it means everything in our lives becomes lighter. Infinitely lighter. No matter what happens to us, or what we do, it is no longer “heavy” to quote Back to the Future. For me, looking at life like this can be comical. I can see it all as meaningless, but still I get completely wrapped up in things.

One question that comes from this observation is, “Why do people do anything?” and “Why does anyone care about anything?” I could guess, or quote from a variety of theories that offer an answer, but that’s not the point of this post. I’m more interested in how awareness of individual insignificance can affect everyday life. How do we deal with this awareness that’s available just through a look into the night sky, or perhaps by watching an episode of NOVA? Most often, the infinite is just ignored. That’s what usually I do. Another common reaction is to believe in some story that allows for individuals to feel more important than we are.

One of my favorite recent stories is built around a possible moment in the near future called the Singularity. As this moment, artificial intelligence, and maybe human intelligence along with it, will be increasing so fast that it can overcome nearly any obstacle, expanding into the universe, probably with nanobots that replicate themselves and expand the reach of humanity indefinitely.

It could happen.

But currently, it’s just a story, and right now, we are infinitely insignificant – based on what we know about the Universe.

Of what practical use is this perspective?
For one thing, none of our mistakes matter. There is no reason to achieve anything, so nothing is lost when we fail. There’s also nothing really to be scared of. All the possessions and even experiences that are sought after and maybe attained, they also qualify as nearly zero. The act of considering infinity can be a tool for locating true freedom. What is there to worry about if all experiences amount to a universal nul? Sure, there are possible periods of depression to deal with, but they pass like everything else.

The problem, for most of us, is that this belief that things matter is strong. It can’t be chased away by one look at the sky. We continue to go through our lives, getting completely absorbed in whatever is happening, when the reality of infinity is always there silently waiting to destroy any substance we may give our lives. I know that sounds negative, but it’s a real stress reliever.

A small hole.
This equation, You / ∞ = 0 does rest on a highly suspect assumption that there is a concrete division between you and the infinite Universe.

Other than that minor issue, this basic equation is pretty solid and points to a reality that’s a lot more sensible than the one most people inhabit.