point of indifference.

Well, I hate to break it to you, but there is no big lie. There is no system. The universe is indifferent.

Don Draper from Mad Men

I took note of this when it was said during the show and was reminded of it recently when this Oatmeal comic surfaced upon the internet.

An indifferent universe – a comforting thought. But it isn’t quite true.

It is only in our hubris that we should say such a thing. It is not the prerogative of a rock to be indifferent. It is indifferent by default. However, the universe is diverse – as much as a rock is a part of the universe, so is all that is conscious. We are not simply in a foreign universe, we are a part of it. We are made of the same stuff. We are it.

I was also reminded of this by one of my favourite poets:

A man said to the universe:
“Sir I exist!”
“However,” replied the universe,
“The fact has not created in me
A sense of obligation.”

– Stephen Crane

So yes, perhaps the universe is indifferent, but it is not always so. Ever cared for someone or something? Ever have someone care for you?

Hardly indifferent.