Section 1.1: The Materialistic Perspective

The experts featured in the film are fundamentally materialists. They grapple with the perplexities of infinity since, from their viewpoint, the physical universe has existed long before any of us and will continue long after we are gone. As they articulate in the quotes below, they perceive humanity as finite beings—“little specks,” as they describe us—within an endlessly expanding cosmos. This paradox is what overwhelms them: the finite existence of humans against the backdrop of an infinite universe.

Just listen to one of the contributors:

“In 1998, we discovered that the universe is not only expanding, but the rate of expansion is accelerating. The galaxies are moving away from each other with increasing speed. Eventually, we will be isolated from other galaxies.

As the stars in our galaxy exhaust their nuclear fuel, there will be no new energy sources available. In about 100 billion years, there will be no energy sources left, and life as we know it will cease to exist. Following the cosmological timeline, everything we know—galaxies, planets, black holes—will ultimately disintegrate. All that will remain are particles drifting through the void.”

This materialistic worldview is particularly intriguing to these experts because they struggle to reconcile the infinite expanse of the universe with their seemingly insignificant and finite lives. It raises existential questions: “Why is there something rather than nothing? What purpose do we serve?”

Section 1.2: Nihilism and Its Implications

From their materialistic standpoint, their conclusions are understandable, as this worldview separates them from both their internal and external realities. They perceive themselves as mere accidents in nature, leading to a profound sense of alienation from both themselves and the world. The concept of infinity seems to unfold independently of their existence, almost like a cosmic joke.

Brian Greene, a theoretical physicist, provides a glimmer of hope, albeit tinged with nihilism:

“Nothing is permanent in that sense. I find this liberating. It shifts our focus from permanence, where value is believed to reside, to the fleeting moments we have to understand, create beauty, and experience wonder, no matter how ephemeral those moments may be.”

While Greene starts with a fundamental Buddhist principle—life's impermanence—his conclusion veers into nihilism, suggesting that all we can do is savor our brief existence before it is extinguished.

In my previous article, I referenced German psychologist Erich Fromm, who noted the psychological ramifications of such a perspective:

“What astonishes the psychiatrist is not so much that individuals lose their grip on reality but that they manage to maintain sanity considering their existential plight.”

Section 2.1: The Role of Love in Nihilism

Alan Lightman, a physicist, articulates a captivating perspective on the futility of existence:

“The universe is colossal, and it can be dizzying. As a child, I gazed at the stars and felt like my life held no significance. I realized that the universe existed long before me and would continue long after. I’m merely a fleeting speck that seems inconsequential. We are all just specks in this brief moment.

None of us existed a million years ago, and none of us will be here a million years from now. The universe remains indifferent to our existence. So, why engage in the daily grind of life? Why go to school or attend to trivial tasks?

But then I fell in love, and that changed everything. That mattered, even if we are both just specks in the cosmos.”

Lightman’s realization that love matters stands out. However, he doesn’t integrate love into the universe, perceiving it instead as an epiphenomenon of the mind—a byproduct of chemical reactions. This view lacks romanticism and seems inadequate in capturing the essence of love.

Section 2.2: A Spiritual Perspective

Lastly, we have Stephon Alexander, a cosmologist, who offers the most spiritual viewpoint of the group:

“There are truths that our minds may never comprehend, yet they are real and exist. Whether we call it the infinite, spirit, or God, I believe in its existence, even if it remains unknowable.”

My concern with their worldview is that they perceive the universe as separate from themselves, continuing on after their demise. Many readers may hold this view, but it is a misconception. In a prior article titled “What is the Universe?” I explored whether the universe exists independently of us.

So, I ask again: What is the universe? Does its material existence stand apart from us? What constitutes its materiality? Scientists tell us that physical objects consist of atoms; yet, when we dissect atoms, we often find that they ultimately amount to empty space or nothingness. There’s a profound absence at the core.

The scientists featured in this documentary understand this, but they interpret this nothingness as a void devoid of meaning. This perspective can lead to a deep existential despair for many individuals.

Conversely, those who have had mystical experiences often recognize that this nothingness is not a mere void; rather, it is brimming with possibilities and wisdom. It is what the Buddha encourages us to explore. This emptiness is also a fullness—a foundational essence of existence, mind, and awareness.

Section 2.3: The Interconnectedness of Reality

Our perception shapes the universe into being. But what is the universe when we are not observing it? We remain unaware. Our minds have already filtered and interpreted it before we can truly experience it as it exists in itself.

In my previous article, I illustrated how various creatures perceive the universe differently based on their unique sensory capabilities. For instance, a dragonfly possesses twelve photoreceptors compared to our four, allowing it to perceive colors beyond our comprehension. When a dragonfly flies over a lake, it does not see the same scene we do—it sees much more.

Thus, what is the universe? We often assume all creatures perceive it identically, failing to recognize that it is not independent of perception. Each being brings the universe into existence through their unique perspectives. What remains of the universe when we cease to observe it? Once again, we cannot know.

To conclude, the universe is essentially mind. It is birthed and sustained by consciousness. We are part of that consciousness. Our task is to realize our connection to this consciousness, as Tibetan Buddhists assert:

“We will have died before we die, so when we finally do die, we will not truly die.”

When one encounters this realization, thoughts of the universe's meaninglessness dissolve. We are interwoven with the entirety of existence. The universe does not exist apart from us; we are both the universe and a part of it.

For further insights into the universe's intelligence and magic, visit: The Magical Universe