Do We Need to Understand Our Universe to Live in It?

Understanding the universe is certainly helpful, but it's not strictly necessary for living within it. As the saying goes, the more we learn, the more we realize how much we still need to know. However, this perspective challenges us to balance our investigations into cosmology with the practical realities of daily life.

The Role of Understanding in Existence

According to ancient wisdom, every aspect of the universe—from the celestial bodies to the Earth itself—is the work of a primal wellspring of all wisdom, creation, and its promise is life and true love. This primal force underpins all existence, giving life and bringing about death, maintaining the universe through its comprehensive laws and recommendations.

However, the lack of understanding of cosmic mechanics is also one of the reasons why religions have flourished. We can easily get lost in the complexities of life, personal goals, and faith, which is why it's essential to recognize the differences between what we need to know and what we can rely on without understanding.

Practical vs. Theoretical Knowledge

It's not necessary to understand every aspect of the universe to live in it. For instance, do you know how an automatic gain controller works or what an object-relational mapper does? Probably not, but these technicalities don't stop you from using your smartphone, which contains both.

Similarly, the cavity magnetron, a component found in microwave ovens, serves a crucial function in our daily lives without our needing to understand its complex mechanisms. In prehistoric times, humans lived in the universe without comprehensive knowledge of celestial mechanics or even basic physics.

While understanding how some things in the universe work—such as the principles of physics and the structure of the atom—can enhance our ability to navigate and utilize these phenomena, it's not essential for a fulfilling life. For example, you can live to 120 and die without ever knowing what a cavity magnetron is, yet you might use a microwave oven every day.

Balancing Knowledge and Practicality

Our desire to understand the universe can sometimes cloud our judgment, leading us to believe that a lack of knowledge is a barrier to living. However, the knowledge of the cavity magnetron doesn’t change the fact that it serves a vital purpose in our lives without our full understanding. This balance between practicality and theoretical pursuit is vital for a well-rounded existence.

Ultimately, the key is to recognize that while understanding can be enriching, it is not a prerequisite for living. Life continues beautifully regardless of our level of knowledge about the universe, much like the prehistoric man who lived in it without understanding it comprehensively.

Keywords: universe, cosmology, understanding