Do you contemplate your place in the Universe?

Question

Thoughts on Numbers at 2 A.M.

by Elaine P

“I am a reed,

but I am a thinking reed.” – Blaise Pascal

A trillion atoms in a grain of sand,

seventeen followed by 70 zeros

in our expanding Universe,

more atoms in a glass of water

than in all the glasses of water

in all the oceans of the world.

The thinking reed is insufficient.

Answer 1

Your poem speaks of infinity.....makes one feel very minute, yet we all have our place and our purpose to serve.

Answer 2

In Biblical times the number 40 was used to signify a large quantity. "Forty days" was  used to mean 'a long time.' "Forty days and forty nights" meant  'a VERY long time.' In Ancient Rome, the number used to describe a very large quantity had risen to a 'myriad' - which literally means 'ten thousand.' By the time I  was born, not less than 'a million' was necessary to convey the feeling of infinity. Since then, typical of the inflationary nature of our economy, the number has risen to the mythical, yet euphonious, amount of 'a gazillion. I predict that this will soon be replaced by a 'googolillion' (which is a word I just created).

Give me that ol' time religion.

Answer 3

Yes, and it is small indeed.

Loved the idea of the atoms in a glass of water and the sheer scope of it all.

Answer 4

I too am just a speck, but feel I am here to do what comes my way.At the present time I am an important person in young international students lives.I a a second Mom to those who are getting educated in the English language.I am here to teach them about how to get along with their fellow man, no matter where they come from.To teach them they will always meet people richer, better looking and better educated.That the important thing in life to learn is what they have to offer their fellow man.What is inside them. that they can nuture and help to improve this world we now live in.Right now I have one from Korea, Spain, China and Japan.I hope they each take home with them a better understanding of who and what they are.But more important, what they can pass on to others by their kind actions.

Answer 5

Yes, I have contemplated my place in this Universe.  I believe I have left my mark.  I was here for a reason.  As small as I am in the big scheme of life, I've been an influence - in a positive manner.  I shall now pat myself on my back - lol.

Answer 6

The reed

thinking reed,

sands,

ocean,

atoms

in our Universe,

composed.

Standing

together

as

creating reeds.

Essential

lives.

Answer 7

It has been said that we all have a reason for being here.  If this is true, then we are each and every one a significant piece of the universe, albeit a small section.  I have pondered this for years, trying to figure out my purpose, and have come to the conclusion that I am here to be a help to those who have need of it.  Much of the time, I feel it is I who need the help, but at other times I am able to say or write something that will give a bit of piece to a troubled mind, and that makes me feel good.  I wish I could manage to do it more often.

Answer 8

yes i do Elaine......i do contemplate, but more on my duty than my place.

There are things which I can do

and many others can do,

But there are things which I can do

and which I alone can do...

The latter is where I am concerned and that forms my duty. I have miles to go indeed.

and the poem you wrote is signifying Elaine...and we are all those signified there.

Answer 9

The Universe is contained within the reed, as well.

Billion and billions of neurons, all working, communicating, looking for new pathways!  How glorious to be able to contemplate!  You started my day beautifully.  Thanks.

Answer 10

Yep i do. Sometimes i feel like an insignificant piece of dust in the Universe.

Answer 11

Dear Speck of Dust,

Please, make some room

for me. Another speck.

Just trying to find a place

to rest.

Interesting thoughts at 2am.  And what will you be pondering at 4?

Answer 12

"Hi!",

I am a spec of dust among many coloured ones.

WELL DONE!

Cheers : )

Answer 13

Incuriousity killed the cat...