Existence Is A Gift

A while back I was talking with a friend. This friend and I have similar philosophical beliefs. The friend is an atheist and I am an agnostic. The topic of discussion was of the origin of existence or the big bang.

We both agreed that we are privileged to lead the existence we do. At the time of the conversation we were driving through rural New Hampshire. The leaves had begun changing on the trees and that was something we remarked we were lucky to experience. This followed discussing the likelihood that we would be the only intelligent life in the known universe. Again we agreed it is truly miraculous that in all the regions of space we have examined that we have not found anything close to what is here on earth.

I was thinking on a related topic while resting today. I remember reading A Brief History of Time by Steven Hawkings when I was in high school. However I don't remember whether the big bang came from an immeasurably large piece of rock or a singular point in space. Either way there must be something beyond that which exists in the known universe. Even if the only thing that exists out there is a void, it is something.

Questions of what exists beyond the known universe and spirituality abound inside my head. I do believe our existence is beyond human comprehension. When you see how complex society is here on earth it is remarkable. Mankind is intelligent and highly evolved. If you then look at what else is out there in the universe there is a striking dissimilarity. These circumstances we have here on earth are truly unique.

Earths wonder, marvel and beauty are immeasurable. We often take what we have as human beings for granted. I suggest taking at least one minute each day to appreciate that you have life, are intelligent and live on a remarkably beautiful planet. Even if you spend the rest of the day being miserable that one minute you will have made a positive step; a step towards leading a greater existence.