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CHAPTER: Our Evolutionary Journey

We Are Stardust We are literally part of the universe, not separate from it

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We have an anthropocentric tendency to see ourselves separate from the rest of the universe – as if we are somehow above or distinct from the natural world. Yet, when we examine things closely, we find that we are an intimate part of the universe’s fabric.

Before discussing evolution and our evolutionary journey, a few fundamental concepts need to be clarified. The first, perhaps most important, is recognizing that we are not separate from the universe. We are intricate parts of existence.
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Our very bodies are made of stardust, forged in the hearts of ancient stars billions of years ago. The atoms that make up our cells and tissues were created in unimaginably violent supernovae scattered across the galaxies, only to coalesce on our small planet as part of us. We are literally part of the universe, not separate from it.

We're All Made of Stardust. Here's How. | Smithsonian Channel

Furthermore, we rely entirely on the Earth’s ecosystems to sustain us – the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all come from the living planet we inhabit. Without the Earth, there is no us. Our actions, in turn, affect the Earth and its other inhabitants, demonstrating that we are part of the planet’s fabric, not separate from it.

Indeed, no rigid boundaries demarcate where we end, and the rest of the universe begins. Like everything else, we are characters woven into the cosmic story. Realizing this profound connection with all of nature can inspire deep humility, awe, and care for our shared home.

Woodstock (1969 Live) | Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell’s lyrics remind us that we humans are genuinely stardust. Like the atoms in you and me, every atom in Joni’s body was born shortly after the Big Bang or later in a star. Pause and think about it for a moment as you listen to her beautiful song.

The crucial point to recognize is that humanity’s and the universe’s journeys are inherently interconnected and inseparable.

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Tags: anthropocentric (2) | Big History (7) | evolution (29) | humanism (4) | humanity (21) | Joni Mitchell (1) | Universe (7)

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4 thoughts on “We Are Stardust We are literally part of the universe, not separate from it”

  1. Stardust.
    Simone de Beauvoir: we are born human and made into women!
    Same goes for Jew, Humanist, Rohinga, Jezidie, Dutchman, …. you name it.
    Let’s stop claiming anything based on what we’ve been made into.

    1. Correct. Plus, that construct, however appealing, headed by a strong man, guided by dis/utopia, ritual, mutilation of any sort or afterlife, or anything, should be an argument to violating humans personal safety / space / rights.

      1. I assume you meant this:

        Correct. Plus, that construct, however appealing, headed by a strong man, guided by dis/utopia, ritual, mutilation of any sort or afterlife, or anything, should NOT be an argument to violating humans personal safety / space / rights.

        If so, I would totally agree.

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