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.