You are irrelevant, and you are worthy.

In the grand tapestry of existence, where galaxies swirl in the vastness of space and time stretches beyond comprehension, the notion of individual relevance might seem overwhelmingly minuscule. "You are irrelevant," whispers the universe, a statement not of cruelty but of perspective. Yet, within this cosmic insignificance lies a profound, paradoxical truth: "You are worthy." This essay explores the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of these seemingly contradictory assertions, weaving through the complexities of self-worth, existentialism, and our place in the universe.

The Irrelevance Paradox

On a universal scale, our individual actions, the entirety of our lives, even the lifespan of humanity itself, are but brief flickers of light in the infinite darkness. This realization can evoke a sense of existential dread, a feeling that in the grand scheme, our efforts, dreams, and struggles are ultimately irrelevant. Philosophers like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre have grappled with this notion, suggesting that life is inherently devoid of meaning, a blank canvas on which we are condemned to paint our destinies, fully aware that the universe remains indifferent to our brushstrokes.

From a psychological standpoint, confronting our own irrelevance can lead to what is known as the existential vacuum, a state of emptiness and meaninglessness that psychiatrist Viktor Frankl observed in many of his patients. It is a realization that without a grand cosmic purpose, our existence might seem devoid of inherent value. Yet, it is precisely within this vacuum that the seeds of worthiness are sown.

The Worthy Self

The acknowledgment of our irrelevance in the universe demands a reevaluation of what it means to be worthy. Worthiness, then, is not derived from the acknowledgment of an indifferent universe but from the recognition of our intrinsic value as conscious beings capable of love, creativity, and transcendence. It is a worthiness that emerges not despite our irrelevance, but because of it. For in the absence of predetermined meaning, we are free to define our own values, to create our own purpose, and to find joy in the act of living itself.

This perspective echoes the existentialist notion of "radical freedom" – the idea that we are free to assign our own meaning to life, and with it, the responsibility to live authentically according to our own values. This freedom is both liberating and burdensome, for it places the weight of our worth squarely on our own shoulders. To be worthy, then, is to embrace this freedom, to live deliberately and to engage deeply with the world around us.

The Collective Tapestry

While individually we may grapple with feelings of irrelevance, collectively, we are undeniably significant. Each life touches countless others, shaping the human experience in ways both seen and unseen. Our actions ripple through the fabric of society, influencing the present and echoing into the future. In this sense, our worthiness is also derived from our interconnectedness, from the roles we play in the lives of others, and from the shared endeavor to create a world imbued with our collective meanings and values.

The paradox of irrelevance and worthiness is not a problem to be solved but a tension to be navigated. It invites us to hold two seemingly opposing truths in our minds at once: that in the vast, indifferent universe, we are but specks of dust, and yet, in the realm of human experience, each of us is a universe unto ourselves, worthy of love, respect, and the pursuit of meaning.

"You are irrelevant, and you are worthy,"

thus becomes a mantra of empowerment, a reminder that our worth does not hinge on cosmic significance but on our capacity to live fully, to love deeply, and to contribute to the tapestry of human experience. It is a call to action, to engage with life's existential questions not with despair but with courage, creativity, and compassion. In the dance between irrelevance and worthiness, we find not despair but a profound freedom: the freedom to create, to connect, and to carve out our own corner of meaning in an infinite universe.

In context, this follows my pevious essays On Kindness, In Praise of Meloncholy, In Praise of short-term love, On Death, Imposter Syndrome, and an Open Letter to myself.