Goose bumps, indeed, and the older I get the more often awe struck, not just by the natural world, but what we have done with it and our gifts - good, bad, and ugly. But, rather than a trifle, I like to think of myself as a truffle - chocolate.
Apparently in a mere 5 billion years, following which Earth will be literally torn apart. You are right to be concerned! We have no time to lose!
"Currently the sun is burning hydrogen at its core, but once this is used up it will expand and become a red giant, before ending up as a white dwarf—the end state of stars when they have burned all their fuel."
Beautiful and timely reflections, ones that also peak my curiosity and speculations I find equally absorbing, though I am not sure I can state them this eloquently. I have to confess, though, given the enormity of our universe and the enormity of what we have yet to discover, to me, it renders the plight of man trifling, after all. But how do we know what we do not know, eh?
Thanks Manuela for your interesting comment. Regarding the trifling plight of man, I like the comment of Peter Carlen, above, with the quote from 'Hamlet'.
A lovely musing, Peter, brought on by this coming eclipse. It's a relief, in a way, to be reminded of our tininess, our insignificance in the infinity of the cosmos. So much strife on planet Earth comes from our ridiculously inflated sense of self-importance, whether as individuals, tribes, nationalities, etc. We would be a much more peaceful planet if we kept the infinite perspective in mind more often! :-)
Excellent piece, reminiscent of our insignificance as stated by Shakespear.
“As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods.
They kill us for their sport.”
― William Shakespeare, King Lear
'Hamlet,' 1:5
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
Thanks Peter C. for these quotes. Perfect. When it comes to the human condition, who could be more apt than the master, old Will himself?
A lovely thoughtful piece Peter
Goose bumps, indeed, and the older I get the more often awe struck, not just by the natural world, but what we have done with it and our gifts - good, bad, and ugly. But, rather than a trifle, I like to think of myself as a truffle - chocolate.
Yes to chocolate truffles. If we must be trifles, let us at least be tasty ones. And treat our world kindly.
Beautifully written, Peter. Do you have a timeline for the implosion of the sun? First I've heard of it. I'm a little concerned.
Apparently in a mere 5 billion years, following which Earth will be literally torn apart. You are right to be concerned! We have no time to lose!
"Currently the sun is burning hydrogen at its core, but once this is used up it will expand and become a red giant, before ending up as a white dwarf—the end state of stars when they have burned all their fuel."
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-swallowed-torn-earth-fare-sun.html
Peter captures the beauty and awesome universe. Pure poetry in imagination.
Beautiful and timely reflections, ones that also peak my curiosity and speculations I find equally absorbing, though I am not sure I can state them this eloquently. I have to confess, though, given the enormity of our universe and the enormity of what we have yet to discover, to me, it renders the plight of man trifling, after all. But how do we know what we do not know, eh?
Thanks Manuela for your interesting comment. Regarding the trifling plight of man, I like the comment of Peter Carlen, above, with the quote from 'Hamlet'.
A lovely musing, Peter, brought on by this coming eclipse. It's a relief, in a way, to be reminded of our tininess, our insignificance in the infinity of the cosmos. So much strife on planet Earth comes from our ridiculously inflated sense of self-importance, whether as individuals, tribes, nationalities, etc. We would be a much more peaceful planet if we kept the infinite perspective in mind more often! :-)
Thanks for these thoughts, keeping things in perspective.
Your reflections tie in with my response to the comment by HuFin!