Remembering Where We Are

(Photo: NASA's Chandra Observatory, New York Times Online)

It's not actually possible to say why we're here. Because of that, we need to find a perspective that allows us to remember where we are, just as an exercise in humility.

This is an important story in a cosmological sense. But it's also happening in a galaxy, far, far away.

So, pause to consider that across an unimaginably far, cold distance, there are other stars. And, possibly, some other being -- also worried about his job as a Flumjarrng Urompter, and the state of the general economy of his habitation on his homeworld; and the fact that he's growing older and his mandibles are fraying and that means he's less attractive as a potential Zarrrrng-partner during the Festival Of Barooooooo.


The Andromeda Galaxy, Actually Milky Way and You.

And he has a favorite Stickyfish team, and occasionally thinks about taking Mandatory rest periods in the ammonia baths; and, he's a little concerned about that spot that appeared on his third-right Elliptical Tarng (Is it the early stage of Arngfoomer? No!!! That's never appeared in my genetic Skreel!), and that he might be dying, and have to go to the composting facility without having ever known true Yognod.

You know; the usual stuff we all think about.

Then I remember that the galaxy pictured at the top of this post is about 500 septobazillion miles away... and it's not even at the end of the Universe we can see.

---