Cosmic Self

 

In astrophysics, the dust and gas produced by supernova explosions contain elements such as hydrogen, helium, carbon, and oxygen. Since these elements eventually became part of Earth and gave rise to all terrestrial life, including human beings, we are often described as being made of stardust—a reminder that we are, in a very real sense, part of the cosmos. Remarkably, researchers have also noted intriguing similarities between the network structure of neural circuits in the human brain and the large-scale structure of the universe, with its countless galaxies, black holes, etc. Inspired by such parallels, some astrophysicists and philosophers have suggested that the universe, through curious and imperfect human observers, is gradually coming to know itself. Over mere decades and centuries, humanity has uncovered tiny fragments of a cosmos that has existed for approximately 13.8 billion years—an astonishing pace when viewed against cosmic time. Whether or not this vision is literally true, contemplating the relationship between the macrocosm and the microcosm inspires a profound sense of awe, as though touching the essence of both science and philosophy.

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